The parties were married for
26 years. They have raised two children, both now adults. The claimant, who was
the primary caretaker of children, now works as a receptionist in a dental
office (35 hours per week) and earns a gross income of $19,000 per year. The
other parent is an engineer at Ford Motor earning about $91,000 per year. That
party commutes and works a 45-hour week. The claimant is 48 years old and has a
high school degree. The claimant was out of the labor market until the divorce.
The claimant wanted the
divorce because the other party “was just too controlling” and preferred the
claimant’s role be nothing other than the exclusive caretaker of the household.
The other party suspects an affair, denies the “controlling” allegation and believes,
to the contrary, the claimant was a “leech”. Indeed, claimant now admits to
have a dating relationship with the person suspected by the engineer.
Should the claimant be
awarded spousal support? Yes No
If so, how much? per year.
Should spousal support be
permanent? Yes No
If not, for how long should
spousal support continue? years or until
contingency applies?