New York Divorce Lawyer Blog
Divorces involving long-term marriages and significant financial entanglements often spark contentious disputes over spousal maintenance and the classification of assets. These cases can raise complex questions about what is fair and sustainable when one spouse has built a lifestyle around economic dependence and domestic contributions. A recent decision issued in a New York divorce matter demonstrates how courts apply nuanced legal standards to determine whether a maintenance award should extend into retirement years and how personal property, such as valuable jewelry, is treated when marital funds have been used to acquire it. If you are facing similarly high-stakes divorce litigation, it is advisable to consult a skilled New York divorce attorney as soon as possible.
History of the Case
It is reported that the parties were married in 1998 and had one child together, born in 2001. Allegedly, in 2012, the wife initiated a divorce action seeking ancillary relief, which included spousal maintenance and equitable distribution. The case ultimately proceeded to a nonjury trial on these issues. During the course of the proceedings, the wife requested ongoing maintenance and sought classification of certain personal property, including jewelry, as separate rather than marital property. The trial court issued a judgment in 2020 that, among other determinations, awarded the wife monthly maintenance and resolved the classification of the disputed jewelry.
Allegedly, the judgment granted the wife $3,500 per month in spousal maintenance, payable until she reaches the age of 67 or qualifies for full Social Security benefits or until her remarriage or the death of either party. The court further determined the jewelry in question was marital property subject to equitable distribution and declined to direct the husband to maintain health insurance coverage for the wife. The wife appealed these aspects of the trial court’s decision.
Maintenance Awards in Divorce Actions
On appeal, the court affirmed the trial court’s decision, emphasizing that maintenance awards are entrusted to the sound discretion of the trial judge and must be determined on the specific facts of each case. The court reiterated that the purpose of spousal maintenance is to ensure a spouse’s economic independence and to provide sufficient time to become self-supporting. The court noted that because the action was commenced prior to statutory amendments to Domestic Relations Law § 236(B), the determination of maintenance was governed by the earlier legal framework, which requires consideration of factors such as the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the health and earning capacity of each party, and any reduced or lost earning potential due to the marriage.
Applying these factors, the court concluded that the trial court properly exercised its discretion in awarding the wife long-term maintenance. The court noted that the wife’s diminished earning capacity, combined with the duration of the marriage and the marital lifestyle, justified the award. The wife’s role as the primary homemaker and caregiver further supported the need for continued financial support.
With respect to the equitable distribution ruling, the court affirmed the trial court’s finding that the jewelry was marital property. The wife failed to meet the burden of demonstrating that the items were separate property. The court applied the well-established presumption that property acquired during the marriage is marital unless proven otherwise. The wife’s use of marital funds to purchase the jewelry undermined her claim to a separate property classification, and the appellate court found no error in the trial court’s assessment.
Finally, the court rejected the wife’s contention that the husband should have been required to maintain health insurance coverage for her. The court found that the trial judge had appropriately exercised discretion in denying this relief, pointing to the facts and circumstances of the case.
Meet with an Experienced New York Divorce Attorney
In complex divorce matters involving long-term marriages, financial disparity, and disputes over property classification, the stakes can be high. Courts rely on careful analysis of statutory factors to determine fair maintenance awards and just distribution of assets. If you are navigating a divorce that involves questions about long-term support or the classification of property, it is essential to seek guidance from an experienced New York divorce attorney. Attorney Ksenia Rudyuk of Rudyuk Law Firm brings extensive experience in resolving complex divorce cases and can help you take the steps necessary to protect your interests. Contact our office at (212) 706-2001 or complete our online form to schedule a confidential consultation.