If I’m getting divorced and am givingmy wifethe primary residence, will I still be required to pay alimony?
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If I’m getting divorced and am givingmy wifethe primary residence, will I still be required to pay alimony?
We were married for 22 years. I’m paying for health dental and life insurance.
Asked on November 29, 2011 under Family Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
Jonathan Baner / Baner and Baner Law Firm
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
It depends a great deal. It is a question that cannot in any way be answered with little information. Will you? Maybe, and maybe not. the general rule is: one spouse's need vs. other's ability to pay. That, however, is completely unhelpful. We also look at the general rule: Washington favors rehabilitative maintenance. Well that clears it up none. A just and equitable division of assets -- does that help? no?
What I mean to really convey is that it is a tremendously difficult question. If you have a great job, and she has been a homemaker for 22 years, then I would suggest you have a strong liklihood of having to pay maintenance. If, however, you're both working MDs, then it isn't likely. Somewhere in the middle is just more grey.
Good luck.
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