Here’s an interesting story out of Utah:

The Utah Supreme Court recently ruled that a divorceé has the right to sue her ex-husband for financial reimbursement after she financially supported him through college in exchange for a higher standard of living.

The case that was brought to the high court’s attention involves Gloria and Dallen Ashby, who married in 1997. Gloria claims she gave up a lucrative business opportunity in Utah when she agreed to move to St. Louis with her husband while he attended medical school. Gloria’s job as an interior designer was the couple’s main source of income while Dallen was in medical school. Gloria said she agreed to this arrangement because Dallen promised to support her with the high income he expected to earn with his medical degree.

When the couple divorced a year later, Dallen was a first-year intern, obviously not making the same level of income he will make as an established doctor. Because Gloria was not able to enjoy Dallen’s income as a doctor, she claims he breached his promise to support her. 

The court sided with Gloria, saying the breach was valid and enforceable.

What does this mean for the rest of Utah? It means that any time a person supports their spouse as he or she goes through school, that person has the right to sue their spouse for any money they invested into their spouse during the marriage, but only if they did not have a chance to benefit from the income the spouse earned with his or her degree or education. This money is considered separate from the money awarded for alimony.

If you have found yourself in a similar situation to the Ashby’s, Riverside divorce attorney Michael R. Young can help you try to get back the money you invested into your spouse's education. Interested in learning more? Contact the Law Office of Michael R. Young today to arrange a consultation.