Alimony and Spousal Support

Alimony and Spousal Support

 Divorce Lawyer 

Alimony and spousal support are divisive issues and can lead to hostility and anxiety during an already painful divorce.  It is not uncommon for one party of a marriage to have more financial resources than the other, and one spouse may have more assets than the other when entering a marriage.  Typically in divorce proceedings, when a couple separates the more economically stable spouse is usually obligated to take care of the less financially secure one. 

The courts consider a number of different factors when determining how much support a spouse requires.  The length of a marriage can often determine how long the spousal support is paid; generally a marriage under ten years requires five years of payment, while longer term marriages can require lifetime payments.  Other factors include time separated, relative income of the spouses, the health of both parties, future financial stability, and responsibility in the breakdown in the marriage.

Alimony and spousal support can take a number of different forms.  Some divorce settlements stipulate that a spouse must make continual monthly payments while some cases require a single lump sum plus a percent of all future earnings.  Others reflect a private arrangement made between the two spouses.  Furthermore, alimony and spousal support are secondary to child support duties.  The basic rule of thumb is that a divorce should not force a spouse to live below a level of comfort below that of which they were accustomed during the marriage.  

Alimony and spousal support are critical factors of any divorce and legal guidance can help ensure that any arrangement respects your rights.  An experienced and dedicated alimony and spousal support lawyer can maximize the benefits of your settlement to suit your needs.  Don’t risk having the courts set an inappropriate or unfair amount of spousal support.  If you are in need of legal support and direction during the painful separation process,

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