Is this true???

[calimammi]

What is the name of your state? California

My husband and I have been married for 10 years, I have been a stay at home mom and a student off and on for those 10 years. We have 4 children...and now we are getting divorced. Everyone tells me that he will have to pay alimony for half the time we were married, so then for 5 years he will pay me alimony. He says that is ridiculous and is way too long...is this true?

[BelizeBreeze]

Originally Posted by calimammi

What is the name of your state? California

My husband and I have been married for 10 years, I have been a stay at home mom and a student off and on for those 10 years. We have 4 children...and now we are getting divorced. Everyone tells me that he will have to pay alimony for half the time we were married, so then for 5 years he will pay me alimony. He says that is ridiculous and is way too long...is this true?

Of course it isn't true.....no wait, of course it IS true....no wait, maybe it's true.....awwww hell, let me pull out the crystal ball and figure this out.

Get the point?

[stealth2]

All it means is that you MAY be eligible for alimony - but nothing is definite until the judge signs on the dotted line.

[stepmom65]

Originally Posted by calimammi

What is the name of your state? California

My husband and I have been married for 10 years, I have been a stay at home mom and a student off and on for those 10 years. We have 4 children...and now we are getting divorced. Everyone tells me that he will have to pay alimony for half the time we were married, so then for 5 years he will pay me alimony. He says that is ridiculous and is way too long...is this true?

We are from California as well. My husband separated from his x, after 9 yrs, and 11 months. When alimony was being calculated, his attorney stated that because he separated before 10 years, he only had to pay her for 1/2 of the time.. She told us, if he waited until after 10 years, he would most likely have to pay for 10 years. Judge declared he only paid alimony for 5 years. Part of the reason for the 5 year alimony term, was that she worked in the past. There are exceptions in all cases. I think that if the x didn't work at all, the alimony term might be more, it is really dependent an each individual case.

Regardless of whether you worked or not during the 10 years, he will have to pay alimony for a period of time, 5+ years sounds about right in your case. It most likely won't be less than 5 years. Always consult and retain an attorney to protect your rights. Sometimes, judges will assign your attorney's fee's to your X, sometimes not. Again, depends on the judge and each individual case.