I am an NC state employee with 24 years of service and eligible to retire now with reduced benefits. My marriage is on the verge of ending. I make almost double what my wife makes, so I’m looking at paying alimony for a 12 year marriage. Would it make sense to retire now and ride out my marriage for a little while, then if divorce happens be off the hook for alimony? I work two hours drive (4 hours round trip) from our martial residence and stay in that location all week before driving back to our marital residence, so I have a really good excuse to leave that job. I will not find a similar job near our marital residence, and if I could it would be a serious pay cut . My wife refuses to move closer to where I work.
Thank you
You need to do whatever makes the most financial sense for you. You may still owe alimony even after you retire based on the accustomed standard of living acquired during the marriage, however, if you are retired, you likely won’t be able to pay at the same level as you would if you were still employed and working full-time.
Alimony awards are based on 16 Factors and not on income disparity alone.
Anna Ayscue
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest
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