Reply to Ballpark estimate of child and spousal support in Maryland

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Thank you. Spouse has pretty limited earning potential and has expressed no interest in pursuing a career. At first this was a joint decision but it hasn’t been for the last five years. [/quote]

Judge won’t care. Not working is not an option.

Varies by state but child support is a formula based on custody proportion and income. If she cries poor a judge will determine her income potential, usually after testimony from experts. So you’re looking at actually having to go to court which means higher legal fees. In most states it is awarded until 18 or completion of high school if your child turns 18 in the first half of the year.

Typically spousal support is awarded for about half the length of the marriage. People will tell you there is no alimony anymore but that’s not true, particularly in a situation like the one you describe.

This is all if you go to court. Best advice I got was pick a number and offer it. The more you fight the more the legal fees will be. If you can pick a number for spousal support that she will agree to, you might get this done for about $20,000 as you will likely pay her legal fees as well. If you fight in court you may be looking at twice that or more.

Assets will be divided 50/50. Sometimes people horse trade those for reduced spousal support.

Any retirement will require a QDRO which will cost another couple grand in legal fees before all is said and done.[/quote]

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