
Question:
After being married for 28 years, my wife chose to leave me for another woman. She and her lover are now living together and consider themselves to be "married" to each other even though the marriage is not legal in our state. I myself did have an affair 26 years ago but we got past it and remained married for all of these years. Although neither of us were particularly happy in the marriage and did not have a sexual relationship for many years, the introduction of her new lover is the reason that I have filed for divorce.
My wife does not work and did not work throughout most of our marriage. Her new "spouse" is supporting her and has been since they began living together more than 6 months ago. I did pay out half of the equity on our home to my wife at the time that she indicated she was leaving. She is now asking for a substantial amount of maintenance for life. I know that she would not be entitled if she were remarried to a man, but what happens since she is "married" to a woman?