Cite
225 Wis. 2d 513, 593 N.W.2d 827 (WI Ct. App., 1999)
Summary
Trial court did not err by setting maintenance above 50% of total household income at the time of the divorce. While it is reasonable to consider an equal division of income as a starting point, the trial is not mandated to do so. Since it is cheaper to maintain one household than two, 50% of the total income at the time of divorce will rarely allow either of the parties to maintain the marital standard of living. The goal is standard of living during the divorce, not 50% of the total predivorce income. Still, payee spouse is not entitled to maintenance allowing a lifestyle above and beyond the predivorce standard of living.
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