In order to ascertain maintenance, one of the criteria the court looks at is the Standard of Living of the parties while married. These criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:
Appraisal of residence
Vacation homes
Regularity of dining out
Incomes
Pets
Golfing and other sporting activities
Athletic event tickets
Types of activities of children
Vacations
Clothing purchases
Food purchases
Church donations
Vehicles
Boats
How regularly credit cards are paid off
Entertainment
Cleaning services
Lawn services
It is important for the judge to know the type of living style enjoyed by the parties in order to attempt to make sure that any maintenance obligation fits into the previous lifestyle of the parties.
