Stay-At-Home Dad

[drthompson2]

California I've been a stay-at-home dad for the last 9 years. During that time I went back to school and just earned my teaching credential. I began my first job on a one-year contract (teaching jobs are a little scarce right now.) I'm making $43k. My wife makes $160k + bonus thanks to the great amount of time she's been able to focus on her job (and evidently on a few of her bosses.) We've been marrried 21 years and have 3 children, 19-in college, 14, and 11.
Here are my questions: I'm pretty sure I'm entitled to spousal support, but how much and for how long? She might push for a 50/50 split with the kids, but I have been the primary caregiver and she has hardly been present. If she does it will just be for show. She can't commit the time. Leaves the house at 6am and can never get home before 7pm or 8pm. Just got back from a conference in Hawaii. Leaving Monday for NY. Where will I stand with keeping the kids? What might child support be for them? I do plan to seek an attorney's services. I live in the Covina area. Any recommendations on a good attorney? Is a collaborative divorce worth looking into?

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by drthompson2

California I've been a stay-at-home dad for the last 9 years. During that time I went back to school and just earned my teaching credential. I began my first job on a one-year contract (teaching jobs are a little scarce right now.) I'm making $43k. My wife makes $160k + bonus thanks to the great amount of time she's been able to focus on her job (and evidently on a few of her bosses.) We've been marrried 21 years and have 3 children, 19-in college, 14, and 11.
Here are my questions: I'm pretty sure I'm entitled to spousal support, but how much and for how long? She might push for a 50/50 split with the kids, but I have been the primary caregiver and she has hardly been present. If she does it will just be for show. She can't commit the time. Leaves the house at 6am and can never get home before 7pm or 8pm. Just got back from a conference in Hawaii. Leaving Monday for NY. Where will I stand with keeping the kids? What might child support be for them? I do plan to seek an attorney's services. I live in the Covina area. Any recommendations on a good attorney? Is a collaborative divorce worth looking into?

Well...since you have earned your degree and are beginning to become established in your career, any alimony would be likely to be very short term.

Its quite likely that you would get primary custody of the children since you have obviously been their primary caregiver, (and obviously mom's schedule isn't compatible with child rearing) however they are old enough that their wishes may factor in as well.

Even with 50/50 custody however you are likely to recieve a substantial amount of child support due to the income differential.