53 years old, 26 year married homemaker spousal support?: Married 26 years, my husband wanted me to be a full-time homemaker. When our daughter was older, he maintained that I shouldn't work because the pay earned wouldn't be worth my time which was better spent at home doing all there. I'm now 53 and we are separated. He earns in the six figures and his job security is very good given his field is in high demand. If he had not utterly discouraged the earlier attempts for "low level" jobs I could have worked my way up into a higher level of earning capacity by this time, but now would have to begin at square one with non-skilled jobs, if I'm lucky to get. If I were to attend college now for marketable training, I would be 56 to 58 with not many years to build a nestegg if even marketable with some schooling and 30 years w/o job while he is already in a solid career adding to his own 401k, IRA and ESPP's, medical ins, etc. WA state is "fair and equitable" ... I would like to know what a judge would typically award to me in number of years of spousal support and % of his income based on my numbers. Also, are current assets divided in half or differently in my situation? Thanks.
Sara’s answer: 26 year marriage is a "long term" marriage where property is divided "equally", not fairly and equitably. And a spousal support award could be long term. You should meet with an attorney and get prepared.
Married 16 years, two minor kids. Husband earns well over $200.000 ann. We own a home together. Now what?: We have been married sixteen years with two kids who are under 12. We own a home together which is estimated at a lot of money too. I am so unhappy. I am worried about what will happen once we divorce. I have never worked during the marriage due to an injury. I am very concerned since he is showing himself to be a vicious person who has taped me yelling at my kids to serve as ammunition in a fight, so I don't know what he would come up with an attorney to help him. Should I gear up for a real fight, which I do not want?
Sara’s answer: I would start meeting with attorneys so you have one ready to go when it all goes down. You are entitled to 1/2 the marital community property and spousal support. The amount and duration is fact specific. Child support goes to whoever of you will be the primary parent.
How do i make a strict reply in an motion for adequate cause to modify parenting plan?: I am the petitioner in the case to modify parenting plan and the respondent entered a basic denial and requested to move the jurisdiction to another state to force me out of custody. What form do i need to complete a strict reply.? And how should i word it?
Sara’s answer: It is a declaration, your statement in "reply" to his response. It is due at noon two days prior to your hearing.