I read what you said about alimony being out of the question in Cali. Do you think that really it depends on whose courtroom and the judges in your circuit as to how this shakes out?
I know that in Cali unlike in most states 10 years is considered a longterm marriage. I have a guy friend that lives in southern California. He was married for 20 years, no kids, and a wife who definitely had at least 1 master's degree. She was the one who walked away. Even though she had the education the only job she had was teaching piano lessons, so there wasn't much money coming in from that. When they went for the divorce she had to go to have a career evaluation in order to put a dollar amount on her earning potential. Even with that, when all was said and done, he left the courthouse owing her $3200.00 a month until the first of the year when it would be reduced to $2800.00 (remember they never had any kids)but he was ordered to maintain her lifestyle. Actually that wasn't the end of it. He was also ordered to also pay her 28% of all quarterly bonuses until the $2800.00 kicked in, and then the bonus money would adjust to 38%. Also she was entitled to an automatic percentage of any raises that he received. Bonus money alone is as much as some people receive for the year in maintenance. How does that make you feel?
Oh wait it doesn't end there. Are you ready for this? I asked him how long he would be expected to pay this and the order reads "until she should marry", not when he retires. For that he would have to take her back to court and get it reviewed or just keep paying. I keep telling him it's the gift that keeps on giving!
