I am currently going through a divorce after 12 years and we have a 12 year old daughter together. My ex has a full time job and we actually make the same amount of money, but she is asking for spousal maintenance and I am curious if a judge would allow that since I don't make more than her and she does have a full time job. I've already agreed to $450 a month in child support, but I can't afford $300 in spousal support too. While we were married she went back to school while working full-time, so am I responsible for half of her school loan too? She has hired a lawyer, but I don't have the funds for that so what ever advice I can get would be greatly appreciated.
first ... the easy question: loan- if it was taken out during the marriage the presumption is that yes yes indeed it is your debt too (with a corresponding presumption of 5050 split of paying it off even after the divorce). maintenance cases in your range w/ 12 years of marriage are tough to judge w/ out knowing your actual income history. or educational level. or what both of your prospects are. did she get a BA in electrical engineering from the UW? or a certificate in outsourceable customer service? ... if you make about the same and that are your future prospects then you will not have much of a maintenance liability my friend. it does not sound like this case calls for maintenance based on the what you have told me regarding the fundamentals of the circumstances of the marriage and parties relative financial positions.