She has an understanding of finances, but time and lack of expertise limits the amount of analysis she can do herself. She has raised their children and was not employed, except possibly in a lower-paying job. She has been dependent on her husband for income. Her husband has handled the bills, finances, investments and planning. NOW She has to protect her financial future.
All names are fictitious and only contain a sampling of general case issues.
Although Sarah has several post-secondary degrees, she never held a job. Instead, with the help of a CDP, Sarah and Peter worked out a new arrangement. I believe that most courts do not consider intangible assets like salaries, benefits and potential earnings. Tangible assets do not last for long.