Haugan v. Haugan
Supreme Court of Wisconsin
343 N.W.2d 796 (1984)
During their nearly seven-year marriage, Patricia Haugan (plaintiff) worked as a teacher so Gordon Haugan (defendant) could complete medical school and residency, giving up her own plans to focus on the family in the process. Just before Gordon finished his residency, the couple separated; Gordon then began earning $48,000 a year plus bonuses as a pediatrician, while Patricia, after briefly receiving voluntary support from Gordon, took a job paying significantly less than her prior teaching salary. The circuit court divided the marital property but denied Patricia any maintenance, finding she wasn't in financial need, and the court of appeals affirmed.
Whether a supporting spouse should be compensated when the student spouse leaves the marriage with an earning capacity significantly enhanced by the supporting spouse's efforts and sacrifices.