In a divorce after a long-term marriage of over 20 years, especially when one spouse stayed home to raise children, courts typically aim for an equitable distribution of property, which means a fair—though not always equal—division of assets and debts. The spouse who stayed home is often recognized for their non-financial contributions to the marriage, such as child-rearing and homemaking, which supported the earning spouse’s ability to build wealth and career stability. As a result, the court may award a larger share of marital assets, such as the family home, retirement accounts, or spousal support (alimony), to the non-working spouse to help ensure financial security and recognize the sacrifices made. Factors like the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, the age and health of both spouses, and future earning potential are also considered when dividing property.