When to divorce to maximize alimony.
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When to divorce to maximize alimony.
Hi I have quit my job to take care of my
twins of five months old. I want a
divorce and I also want the custody of
my two children. My husband will be a
doctor in two years. I want to fight for
the max alimony for myself and
children. Should I start filing for divorce
now or wait till he becomes a doctor?
Thank you.
Asked on May 30, 2017 under Family Law, Iowa
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
To "maximize" alimony you'll have to wait longer then just until when he becomes a doctor, unless he instantly steps into a very-paying position, practice, partnership, etc. Alimony or spousal support is based on lifestyle and earnings. While there is some abilty to project future earnings, there must be solid evidence to support the projection, such as earnings history. Many doctors do not earn alot--and also, their need to repay medical school or college loans is taken into account--so a court will not assume that just because he is a doctor, he will be high earning and able to pay a lot of alimony (and if you and he are living a modest lifestyle at the time, that will also cut against you, since you will not need large payments to sustain a comparable lifestyle). If you are looking to maximize alimony, you will remain in what is presumably an unhappy or unsatisfactory marriage for years, until there is evidence of high earnings.
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