“My divorce lawyer tells me I’m eligible for spousal support, but I feel so guilty about my affair that I’m not sure I want to take money from my husband. What should I do?”
This is strictly a personal decision and one that should be governed not by your feelings but rather your sensibilities. Do not mix your personal feelings, such as guilt, anger, remorse, and regret with your logic. If you can separate your guilt from your checkbook, you will be better off in the long run.
Keep in mind that spousal support is given to the party who makes or has less income, according to divorce law. You may feel guilty about accepting the money today, but six months or two years from now, you may be sorry you declined it. That being said, however, the decision is strictly up to you.
Stacy D. Phillips is a co-founder of Blank Rome LLP, which specializes in high-profile family law matters. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
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