Child Support is normally based on a state-specific formula.
Spousal Support is normally based on the income (or assumed income-potential) of each spouse. A local lawyer should be able to give you the specifics.
I was told that here, for example, the "normal" spousal support is 1/3 of the difference between the higher earning spouses income and the income of the lower earning spouse. If the lower earning spouse is not working, then there is normally an assumption made that they will go (back) to work, and the calculation is based on how much they could (theoretically) earn if they did.
The duration of the spousal support varies from 1/2 the duration of the m, to lifetime, depending on a number of factors.
There is also often a negotiation that takes place where higher assets (eg a larger portion of the house equity, or the retirement funds) is traded off against the spousal support. This allows the parties to separate more fully.
As I said, talk through the details with a L. If you don't want to be provocotive, then don't tell your wife and pay cash. ON the other hand, one of the turning points in my sitch was when I told my W I was going to talk to a L and then did.
Me 42, W 39, S8, S6, S2 M 11y, A & ILYBNILWY 11/08 Walking away from a bad situation.
