What am I entitled to after 25 years of marriage?
Question Details:
My husband says everything is his and I am just staying here, but I work to. My check goes for groceries.
In a divorce a spouse may be entitled to alimony (spousal support) and a share of the marital assets.
Alimony - There are several factors to be considered in determining if, and how much, should be awarded. They are: the length of the marriage (important in your case since your marriage has been of such a short duration), the causes for the divorce, the age, health, station, occupation, amount and sources of income, vocational skills, employability, estate, needs of the parties, and property distribution (when children are involved, the court will also consider the desirability of the custodial parent's securing employment). The options for alimony payments are: 1. none, 2. $1.00 per year, 3. lump-sum alimony, or 4. periodic alimony. If the divorce judgment provides for $1.00 per year, the then has court the authority to modify the amount of the alimony award in the future. Additionally, "rehabilitative alimony" is support awarded to one of the spouses on a transitional bases. For example, during a period of education or training necessary to achieve self-sufficiency or make up for the time the spouse was withdrawn from the workplace.
Marital assets - CT is an equitable distribution state. Accordingly assets are divided fairly - not necessarily equally. Generally, all assets acquired during the marriage (exclusive of gifts/inheritances) are subject to such distribution. The following factors are considered by the court in determining the appropriate property distribution award: length of the marriage, causes for the dissolution of the marriage (or legal separation), age, health, occupation, amount and sources of income, vocational skills, employability, estate, liabilities and needs of each of the parties and the opportunity of each for future acquisition of capital assets and income. The court shall also consider the contribution of each of the parties in the acquisition, preservation or appreciation in value of their respective estates.
Note: Homemaking is considered a valuable contribution to the acquisition and appreciation of assets.
This is just s brief summary of the law. You really need to consult directly with a divorce attorney in your area.
