AITA for saying my sister should not get alimony?

A divorce after 26 years should be a clean break, but for one woman, it became a family feud when her sister asked for her take on seeking alimony. With half the ex-husband’s military retirement already secured and a steady job, the sister’s push for more struck her as greedy—prompting a blunt opinion that led to cries of betraying women. As emotions flare, the math of fairness takes center stage.

This saga of sibling loyalty and divorce ethics hums with raw tension. When does an honest opinion cross into family betrayal?

‘AITA for saying my sister should not get alimony?’

Divorce settlements aim for equity, but this sister’s alimony bid raises questions of fairness. The woman’s opinion—that half the retirement plus a decade of employment negates the need for alimony—aligns with legal principles prioritizing financial independence post-divorce. Her sister’s claim of “not supporting women” misframes a practical stance as ideological, ignoring the ex-husband’s PTSD and disability constraints.

Family law expert Dr. Karen Ruskin notes, “Alimony is for need, not entitlement.” Courts often deny alimony when both parties are self-sufficient, as here, with 50% of U.S. divorces splitting assets evenly without additional support. The sister’s long work history and retirement share weaken her case, while her accusation deflects from the math.

This reflects broader issues of fairness in divorce. Dr. Ruskin advises, “Focus on facts, not emotions, in family disputes.” The woman should clarify her reasoning calmly, emphasizing equity, and avoid future opinion requests to sidestep drama.

Check out how the community responded:

Reddit dove into this divorce drama like it’s a courtroom showdown. Here’s the community’s unfiltered take:

These sharp takes cut deep, but do they miss nuances? Is the sister greedy, or just hurt?

This alimony argument lays bare the tricky balance of family loyalty and financial fairness. The woman’s candid take on her sister’s divorce demands sparks a debate about equity, support, and sibling bonds. What would you say if a sibling asked your view on their divorce? Share your stories in the comments—let’s unpack this family courtroom clash!