What are my rights regarding alimony in a 13 year marriage?
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What are my rights regarding alimony in a 13 year marriage?
Was married for 13 years, 10 out of them my husband was a full time graduate student and I was the bread winner. Do I have any legal ground to claim rights in his career? My profession is language-based (an editor, not in English). We moved to the States for 2 years for his post-doctorate, but then he refused to move back and we got separated. I don’t have a profession here. Do i have any legal ground for claiming loss of income for life?
Asked on August 27, 2010 under Family Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You should have a right to support (often called alimony) if he is now earning more than you. You might also have an equitable right to some portion of his income if you supported him while he studied and became able to pursue his profession. And you should also have a right to some distribution or portion of the marital assets. Since the situation of every marriage is unique, there is no single, general answer. You should consult with a family or matrimonial attorney, who can evaluate your circumstances and let you know your rights and recourse. You should be entitled to something, but the question is what. If there are children, they would be entitled to support as well. Good luck.
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