Divorce And Spousal Support

Summary

In Missouri, divorce settlements consider factors like marriage duration and health issues. Spousal support could be closer to 40% of your income, potentially lasting 12-15 years or until retirement age. Life insurance costs may impact your ability to pay. Joint property and retirement benefits might require negotiation or court decisions. Consulting a family law attorney familiar with local judges can provide more precise guidance.

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No, I'd like your best estimation of what I will be ordered to give her in the event of a divorce. And can I go to Texas?
In Missouri, divorce settlements can vary, but here's a general estimation:
- Spousal support could be significant due to your wife's health and inability to work.
- You might need to provide life insurance during alimony.
- Joint property like your home may be divided or negotiated.
- Retirement benefits could be split through a QDRO.
Regarding moving to Texas, consult a lawyer as relocation might affect custody, support, and property division.
What do you consider "significant" in terms of spousal support - both in amount and duration? I've looked into life insurance, and it seems I'm looking at paying $*+/mo for that - is that considered in my "ability to pay" or can it be deducted from what I owe her? What sort of negotiation do you see as plausible considering her inability to work?
In Missouri, "significant" spousal support often considers the duration of marriage and the recipient spouse's needs. Given your wife's health and inability to work, support might be substantial and long-term.
- Life insurance can be part of your obligations, potentially affecting your ability to pay.
- Consider negotiating the division of assets or reducing support duration.
Consulting a family law attorney can provide specific strategies based on your situation.
Again, using your best educated guess, what amount and duration to would you consider "significant" and "substantial"? I know it's just an estimation, but I want dollar amount and time. In regards to "ability to pay", might I be expected to cut back on my own expenses in order to pay the life insurance? If she wants the house and I'm ordered to pay a high alimony - enough that even with a reduction she could afford to stay in the home, could a judge order she get the house and just reduce alimony by a few hundred dollars over the course of alimony so I'm paid my half over time?
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In Missouri, estimating spousal support involves many factors. For a marriage of 23 years, significant support could range from *-*% of your income, potentially for several years.
- Your expenses might be considered when determining your ability to pay.
- A judge could order the house to her with adjusted alimony.
Consider consulting a family law attorney for precise guidance.
With the length of marriage and her health issues, is it likely I'll be ordered to pay closer to *% than *%? Is this based on gross or net pay in Missouri? What about my bonus, as it varies year to year?And considering the same - how many years do you think? And with an annual raise of *-*%, will I be expected to increase alimony in proportion to that?
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In Missouri, spousal support calculations can be complex and depend on several factors:
- Support may be based on gross income.
- Bonuses and raises might be considered in support calculations.
- Duration of support varies; long-term marriage often means longer support.
- Alimony may be adjusted with significant income changes, like raises.
Consulting a family law attorney could provide a clearer picture based on your specific situation.
I understand all that - but HOW LONG do you THINK I 'll have to pay? And closer to *% or *%?
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In Missouri, with a *-year marriage and your wife's health issues, spousal support could lean closer to *% of your income and potentially last for several years or even indefinitely. It is often based on gross income, including bonuses. Consulting a family law attorney would offer more precise guidance.
Several years means * yrs? * yrs? * yrs? Give me an idea, please.
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In Missouri, "several years" for spousal support can vary greatly depending on the case. Typically, for a long-term marriage like yours, it could range from *-10 years or even longer, depending on the circumstances, especially with health issues involved. Consulting a family law attorney would provide more specific guidance.
If YOU were my family law attorney, what would you be telling me to expect? Be very specific in dollar amounts and time.
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In Missouri, for a *-year marriage with your wife's health conditions, spousal support might be closer to *% of your gross income, including bonuses. Duration could be indefinite or at least *-10 years. Life insurance costs may impact your ability to pay. Negotiation on assets may adjust these figures. Consulting a family law attorney would be advisable for precise calculations.
There's a BIG GAP between "*-10 years" and indefinite. I'd like you to narrow that down for me - again, understanding it's just your best educated guess. Wife seems to think she'll get at least *-* yrs of support or to full retirement age. We are in a rural area of Missouri - Washington county. Judge is Tony Dorsett, if that helps at all. The attorney I've spoken with has told me to file here in Missouri and then move to Texas, but I have my doubts.
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In Missouri, spousal support for a long-term marriage like yours, especially with health issues, could indeed range around *-15 years or until retirement age, depending on various factors, including your wife's needs and your ability to pay. Consulting a family law attorney familiar with your judge's history might provide more precise insights.