Is alimony ever awarded to men?

[Anonymous]

I earn essentially all the income of our family as a woman—business owner. I just found out my husband of 20 years is having an affair. I do a majority of the childcare—along with paid help—my husband does very little. The only friend that I have confided in about the affair said I will lose about 1/2 the assets and likely pay long term alimony. My income is just over 1 million a year, DH is around 85k.
Do the laws actually require me to pay him money when he cheated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I earn essentially all the income of our family as a woman—business owner. I just found out my husband of 20 years is having an affair. I do a majority of the childcare—along with paid help—my husband does very little. The only friend that I have confided in about the affair said I will lose about 1/2 the assets and likely pay long term alimony. My income is just over 1 million a year, DH is around 85k.
Do the laws actually require me to pay him money when he cheated?

Yep. Just like the men that have to pay it out to their cheating wives.

[Anonymous]

He will get half of assets.

Not likely for alimony as he's gainfully employed.

He can file for at least joint custody.

[Anonymous]

Yes. A few of my female friends have had to pay their husbands alimony. Why would you be exempt?

[Anonymous]

OP here: I live in Maryland. And almost all the assets have come from the proceeds of my business.

[Anonymous]

Large income differences are a factor in alimony, but so is whether the lower earning spouse gave up income to take care of the kids, and it sounds like that's not what happened. Long term alimony is also particularly rare. But I don't think you're going to get a definitive answer.

[Anonymous]

Yep! I have many friends who pay their ex's a bunch of money each month, plus child support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here: I live in Maryland. And almost all the assets have come from the proceeds of my business.

Well, duh.

[Anonymous]

Sure, see Kevin Federline.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He will get half of assets.

Not likely for alimony as he's gainfully employed.

He can file for at least joint custody.

LOL no he will get alimony and huge child support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here: I live in Maryland. And almost all the assets have come from the proceeds of my business.

Which is completely irrelevant. The marital estate is divided 50/50 regardless of who contributed what to it.

[Anonymous]

It depends where you live. I had a friend in Los Angeles who was married 10 years and because of that she had to pay her ex's rent / mortgage and support him financially. She was a diamond jewelry designer (Barney's etc) and he was a fitness trainer, so his income was way below hers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here: I live in Maryland. And almost all the assets have come from the proceeds of my business.

Unless you have a prenup, half of your share is his

[Anonymous]

Go see a good and aggressive lawyer quietly. You need to plan your exit strategically. Pretend to not care about the affair if you must while you plan. You will pay some alimony, the question is how much. Be logical and organized.

[Anonymous]

Did he ever stay at home with the kids so you could focus on your career? I still think it's likely he will get some but alimony is being awarded less and less these days. Often it's just to help somebody get back on their feet, so only for a year or two. Since he is getting so many assets and he doesn't seem to really need to "get back on his feet," I can't imagine a judge would award a ton of alimony.