
Divorce in New York isn’t just about dividing property: it’s also about figuring out whether one spouse owes the other ongoing support, known here as maintenance (what people in other states call “alimony”). And in Manhattan, where lifestyles can include doormen, Hamptons shares, and $150 spin classes before breakfast, maintenance awards aren’t always driven by numbers on a W-2. Sometimes, they’re driven by lifestyle.
So when does lifestyle matter more than income? The answer is: when the standard of living during the marriage creates expectations the law is designed to protect, especially in marriages with big disparities in earnings. Let’s talk about it:
Continue reading “Maintenance in Manhattan: When Does Lifestyle Matter More Than Income?”




