Calculating alimony

[bummer]

What is a fair lump sum payment for 11 years
of marriage?? 3 kids, she was unfaithful, I make
~80K, she makes ~30K. I think 11K is fair, she
wants more, like around 50K. Who is closer to
the correct number???

Thanks,
bummer

 

[lawrat]

I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

You didn't mention your state.
HOW DOES A COURT DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF ALIMONY TO BE PAID?
Subject to specific rules, standards and precedents in each state, a court sets the amount of alimony it determines to be just and reasonable to be paid for a period of time, typically based upon the standard of living established during the marriage, and after taking into consideration the facts and circumstances with respect to the spouses.

http://family-law.freeadvice.com/spousal_support/

 

[bummer]

I live in Maryland. We have agreed on
$45K which, given that we have about 120K
in 401K plans and she gets half right off
the top means that she is taking
almost all of it and I have to start
again planning for retirement.

Again, is this a reasonable sum?? It seems
high to me, but I just want to be done with
this whole situation....

Thanks,
bummer

 

[Carpe Luna]

ira

I have a question regarding IRAs in New York.
As a small business man, I funded my & my wife's IRA equally. At first $2k in mine & $225 in hers. The following year she got the 2k & only $225 in mine.
Then the tax law changed where we could both contribute $2k & reap a tax break. I gave her the 2k check for deposit & found a year or 2 where she only deposited $1k...ugh.

My IRA was always invested in the NYSE & has a value of approx $90k. Her IRA was invested in CD's at an appalingly low rate, perhaps 5%. I often adviced her to open a brokerage acct. & buy some blue chippers but she always felt more comfortable in a cash position. At present her IRA is worth about $16K.

My question, is she going to be able to clip 1/2 of my IRA.

Advice to anyone planing a marriage, live in sin instead.