In California. I now make slightly more than him and I wouldn't have gotten anything if X had seen his own attorney (dumb ass). However when he filled the initial paper work he said he would pay of 1/2 of our debt until Feb 09 and that the house would go on sale at that time (he also stated he would continue to pay half the debt until the house is sold). I won't be putting it on the market until February 1st (and not one day earlier).

Chrissy - I wish I could help you, but I can't. I'm not that far into my divorce yet. I agree with you though, if you're entitled to this, you make sure that you get it. Both parties in these "partnerships" should be able to live as well as the other. No one should walk away with more or less, after major consideration for the children involved. Good luck to you, Chrissy. I hope you get the information you need. Hugs.

sorry I can't help either, I actually am making more money than him, so I guess he could of got support, but dumbass didn't.. so I don't know...

Sorry that I couldn't answer the question and help, my ex makes only $2.00 more than me so I get no spousal support.

Each state is different. Search for info; many law firms have free state info.

In 'our' state, alimony is more likely if the spouse cheated as he left, which mine certainly did!! However, I've been waiting over a year for a settlement and STILL do not know what the likely amount could be, considering he already has to pay me child support and part of his retirement (and ch-support to another woman!). I was a stay-home mom last 15 years, but I have a bachelor's and he doesn't. It will be a negotiating point along with other issues that aren't settled, including atty fees and assets he doesn't know I know about.

I hope the karma bus boots him to the moon.

I was 53 in April and got 9 years until he is 62 to be revisted at that time. I live in a no fault community property state. I had not worked in twenty years and have a degree. I have to pay tax as it is income. He gets to deduct it. It is a complicated yet simple equation. If you are in a community property state, there are 11, you get half of all investments, pensions, cash etc and the house. You end up trading things off is the easiest way to describe it. Lawyers and judges use a program, free, called Mac Davis to figure out some of it. It is a spreadsheet that does some of the tax implications for both spouses. I had a vocational evaulation done, to see my earning power. So if your husband makes a 100,000 and you make 21,000 they work out an equitable arrangement to even it out. How long you may live, your earning potential etc all come into it. Some arrangements are half of his income for 3 years, done. One half for 5, one third for 5, one fourth for next 5. Some people divide all assets if substantial and walk away. Some spouses pay for health insurance and less maintenance. Hope this helps!