Divorce settlement - opinions wanted.

Money_maker

lovecrafting wrote: »

why does she need maintanance if the children have grown up and left home?

I agree. I thought maintenance was only for children? Can anyone enlighten?

truthhurts_3

779 wrote: »

No, I don't, I personally think, to compensate for future potential earnings, that she should get a much higher percentage of the house. 50% of earnings would probably take away his motivation to work.

Her solicitor hints that she should get much more than is currently on the table, - but she cannot directly tell her what she should ask for, - the main point her solicitor makes is to work out what she needs in the future to maintain the lifestyle that she is used to.

What crazy, crazy laws we have......maintain the lifestyle. Are we all that shallow that if we find ourselves fortunate enough to be given a lifestyle we cant maintain ourselves that if we leave that relationship it should be maintained by the person we are no longer with?

779

lovecrafting wrote: »

if they both want a divorce, regardless of the reasons then why should she be entitled to more than half of anything? why does she need maintanance if the children have grown up and left home?

sounds to me like she wants to take him to the cleaners, i say be happy with that, its a good offer

What exactly makes you think that she wants to take him to the cleaners? Did you actually read my post??

Reason for more than half is potential future earnings. To put it simply, he can go on earning a fortune, but she'll be getting not much over minimum wage.

Over 30 years of marriage, they have made a life *together*.

779

Money_maker wrote: »

I agree. I thought maintenance was only for children? Can anyone enlighten?

I'm only really interested in comments in this thread from people who are knowledgeable of the subject and have something valuable to add.

Maybe start another thread to discuss, or google it

adamantine

almost no solicitor in the country will award one party more than 50% of anything so for him to come with this as a first offer she should be jumping all over it.

as for the ongoing maintenance - is there anything preventing her from earning now? if this goes to court again it would be very unusual for a judge to award anything.

truthhurts_3

lovecrafting wrote: »

im going to be all contriversial here but im sorry its my opinion.

if they both want a divorce, regardless of the reasons then why should she be entitled to more than half of anything? why does she need maintanance if the children have grown up and left home?

sounds to me like she wants to take him to the cleaners, i say be happy with that, its a good offer

Be more controversial, how about take out what you put in......and I'm including housekeeping, childcare costs, loss of potential career, etc. Hey, but that may be too sensible.

779

truthhurts wrote: »

What crazy, crazy laws we have......maintain the lifestyle. Are we all that shallow that if we find ourselves fortunate enough to be given a lifestyle we cant maintain ourselves that if we leave that relationship it should be maintained by the person we are no longer with?

For the record, my friend is anything BUT lazy, and has worked and still does. They have been through hard times and she has supported him thick and thin. They have come out of some very hard situations smelling of roses, and now, he is earning a very good wage. She works, but her earnings are about 15% of his.

Anyway - i didnt come on here to discuss whether the law is correct or not, - i'm just interested in people who have experience if possible :beer:

Emmzi

779 wrote: »

I'm only really interested in comments in this thread from people who are knowledgeable of the subject and have something valuable to add.

Maybe start another thread to discuss, or google it

how rude!

Why not google spousal maintenance yourself? Or actually listen to the advice from the lawyer - it's what they are getting paid for!

779

Emmzi wrote: »

the wikivorce calculator is notoriously inaccurate.

she will be expected to contribute to her own lifestyle by getting a job. surely that is only fair?

I totally agree, and yes she is already working.

779

Emmzi wrote: »

how rude!

Why not google spousal maintenance yourself? Or actually listen to the advice from the lawyer - it's what they are getting paid for!

I think it's rude to derail someone else's thread.

I asked if anyone had experience in the matter.

Calm down love