You may not have been the family breadwinner, but you kept everything running. Raising the kids, managing the home and supporting your spouse’s career are equally valuable contributions to the marriage, even if they aren’t tied to a paycheck.
Arkansas law recognizes that building a life together isn’t just about money. As such, your non-financial contributions to the marriage count when dividing marital property.
Equitable division is all about fairness
Marital property in Arkansas is divided equitably. This doesn’t mean everything is split down the middle. Courts look at what’s fair based on the unique circumstances of each marriage. Your role in the marriage and family is among the factors courts consider when deciding how to divide marital assets.
For example, you may have put your career or education on hold to manage the daily tasks and responsibilities of a home. Now, reentering the workforce may no longer be viable for you, especially when you lack the necessary qualifications or recent job experience. In such cases, the court may award you a larger share of the marital assets.
That said, other factors, such as each spouse’s age and health, the length of the marriage and your financial needs moving forward, will also come under consideration. The goal is to divide assets in a way that helps each spouse maintain financial stability after divorce.
Alimony may also be on the table
In some cases, the court may award spousal support to the lower-earning spouse. This can be especially important if you’ve been out of the workforce for years and need time or resources to regain financial independence. However, alimony is not always guaranteed or permanent. The specifics of your case, like how long your marriage lasted and your spouse’s ability to pay, will all come into play.
Protect what you’ve built
Don’t be worried that you’ll walk away with nothing just because you weren’t the breadwinner. Remember, the law is on your side. Having legal guidance can help you tell your story, gather relevant evidence and help ensure that your contributions to the marriage are not overlooked during divorce.