You should be very cautious about taking steps like voluntarily leaving your job in an effort to get a higher maintenance award during and after your divorce.
Judges have discretion to impute income to the parties, so the worst-case scenario is that your maintenance petition is denied, or greatly reduced, and you have no job.
If you are not the monied spouse, you are likely eligible for temporary maintenance during the divorce and spousal maintenance after the divorce, at least for a period of time.
In cases where one spouse chooses to quit a job without a good reason, such as caring for a young child, you may still be eligible, but at a lower amount.
It’s best to consult with an attorney as you plan your divorce strategy.
An experienced Queens divorce attorney can help you avoid pitfalls that can cost you over the long term.
Call the attorneys at Zelenitz, Shapiro & D’Agostino today at 718-523-1111 for a free consultation.
