Need help on finances

Hi,

I am a 36 year old man and divorced for more than 1 year now. My marriage lasted for just over 3.5 years. My ex and I are both professionals. My ex invited me for mediation on finances and is proposing that during marriage she was earning more than I did and needs that excess money that she brought in be paid back to her. When we separated we had similar savings with no assets and kids involved. During marriage I had to bear expenses of my mom's hospitalisation abroad as she was critically ill and later died. Also, I supported my parents financially as they had no source of income to support themselves. My question is whether her claim is valid. She is still working and probably earning more than me. Please advise.

She wants the extra money that she earned, and is spent, refunding to her?

Yes... Precisely....

Marriage is considered an equal partnership, don't think she will get far with her claims.

In a short marriage, it is usual each party to take out what they put in and share equally any profit from the marriage.

How big the difference in the contributions is? How was it spent, on the general lifestyle (non-recoverable - holidays, etc) or on something that still has an intrinsic value (property, car, etc)?

There is such thing as a stellar contribution concept, but it is applicable, as far as I understand, in the cases where the contributions are grossly asymmetrical.

Also, short marriage means more chances that her contribution-based claim could stand in the court. For example, if a property was purchased during a short marriage with mainly her funds/income, I believe the court will be inclined to award her a lion's share of it.

It wasn't spent on any asset or property. It was spent on hospitalisation expenses and household expenses of my parents. No property, assets, car involved.

Sorry to hear about your mom.

I guess it really depends on the amounts spent, the difference in contributions and how that compares to the earnings/ savings, including future potential, of both parties.

It is one thing if the hospital and household bill was a couple of thousands, dwarfed by a six-digit salaries of both parties. It may be a bit different if she was earning 50K, you were earning 20K and the bill was for 100K.

Is there any reason for her to believe that you now may have any inheritance from your mother's estate?