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Hi Everyone,
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I’m new here, and I’m going through a divorce in Alberta. So far, I’m comfortable with everything, except for the spousal support component, which I find very frustrating. I think it’s the most contentious and controversial area of family law. I’d like to share my particulars and would welcome any and all comments.
-we were together for 10 years. 5 years co-habitation and 5 married
-before marriage, we lived in my house. I maintained the house financially (mortgage, taxes, utilities) and we shared in chores
-we both worked full time hours
-we did not have a child during this time
-after marriage, our child came along
-we started to economically integrate finances in terms of the house, our child
-my wife started maternity leave in 2005 and returned to working full time hours in 2006.
-we shared equally in the parenting of the child. In fact, it’s fair for me to state that the child was in my care more, due to our work schedules
at the time of separation, she was making $39,000 and I was making $76,000
I am 35 years old, and my wife is 33 years old.
We are currently working towards parenting the child 50/50. I will pay her $345/month, which is the difference in our respective CS table amounts. I’m allowing her to claim all CCTB benefits, which will amount to $240/month.
She will be getting half the equity from the house (buy out, or sale), half my RRSP's and half of my private pension plan.
I’m aware of the SSAG, and for our particulars, the range is $0 to $774 with a midpoint of $314/month. The range is ABSOLUTELTY LUDICROUS and I might as well throw them out the window, because with such a broad range, it really doesn't mean anything and is not very helpful.
She is requesting $700/month for 5 years, after which, she wants it reviewed. I find this request highly OFFENSIVE for these reasons:
1. She’s been in the workforce, working full time hours for the entire 10 years we were together. During that time, she was free to pursue any job, or opportunity that came her way. Her career was not hindered, and she did not sacrifice or give up anything "for the marriage".
2. Post separation, she’s been offered higher paying jobs, but she’s had to turn them down, because she’s “too stressed” about everything.
3. During the marriage, she passed up higher paying opportunities, which at the time, I questioned, but ultimately supported her at the time anyway.
4. $700/month gives her NO INCENTIVE to want to go out and improve herself. What happened to basic personal responsibility for oneself?
I’ve countered her offer with something a little more reasonable and based on the roles and responsibilities that each of us performed while together. I offered her $200/month for 2 years, plus I’ve offered her the “matrimonial car”. I’m prepared to offer her more assets, but honestly, when is enough, enough?
I’d really like to hear of anyone that has gone though a similar type situation, or is currently in the process of going through it.
Cheers!
Canafa Gold 2010<O</O
<O
</OI’m new here, and I’m going through a divorce in Alberta. So far, I’m comfortable with everything, except for the spousal support component, which I find very frustrating. I think it’s the most contentious and controversial area of family law. I’d like to share my particulars and would welcome any and all comments.
-we were together for 10 years. 5 years co-habitation and 5 married
-before marriage, we lived in my house. I maintained the house financially (mortgage, taxes, utilities) and we shared in chores
-we both worked full time hours
-we did not have a child during this time
-after marriage, our child came along
-we started to economically integrate finances in terms of the house, our child
-my wife started maternity leave in 2005 and returned to working full time hours in 2006.
-we shared equally in the parenting of the child. In fact, it’s fair for me to state that the child was in my care more, due to our work schedules
at the time of separation, she was making $39,000 and I was making $76,000
I am 35 years old, and my wife is 33 years old.
We are currently working towards parenting the child 50/50. I will pay her $345/month, which is the difference in our respective CS table amounts. I’m allowing her to claim all CCTB benefits, which will amount to $240/month.
She will be getting half the equity from the house (buy out, or sale), half my RRSP's and half of my private pension plan.
I’m aware of the SSAG, and for our particulars, the range is $0 to $774 with a midpoint of $314/month. The range is ABSOLUTELTY LUDICROUS and I might as well throw them out the window, because with such a broad range, it really doesn't mean anything and is not very helpful.
She is requesting $700/month for 5 years, after which, she wants it reviewed. I find this request highly OFFENSIVE for these reasons:
1. She’s been in the workforce, working full time hours for the entire 10 years we were together. During that time, she was free to pursue any job, or opportunity that came her way. Her career was not hindered, and she did not sacrifice or give up anything "for the marriage".
2. Post separation, she’s been offered higher paying jobs, but she’s had to turn them down, because she’s “too stressed” about everything.
3. During the marriage, she passed up higher paying opportunities, which at the time, I questioned, but ultimately supported her at the time anyway.
4. $700/month gives her NO INCENTIVE to want to go out and improve herself. What happened to basic personal responsibility for oneself?
I’ve countered her offer with something a little more reasonable and based on the roles and responsibilities that each of us performed while together. I offered her $200/month for 2 years, plus I’ve offered her the “matrimonial car”. I’m prepared to offer her more assets, but honestly, when is enough, enough?
I’d really like to hear of anyone that has gone though a similar type situation, or is currently in the process of going through it.
Cheers!
Canafa Gold 2010<O
</O
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