Divorce Attorneys & Alimony

Posted on: 7 December 2020

Alimony, or spousal support, is a common part of the divorce process. Many people find themselves paying spousal support after a divorce. If you think you might be required to pay spousal support, you may wonder what steps you can take to prevent yourself from having to pay support.

Are you interested in paying support? This is what you need to know.

How Is Spousal Support Determined?

The judge considers several factors in determining the cost of alimony. They consider all aspects of the marriage and the employment prospects of each party. Each individual has different earning capacities, which also becomes part of the process.

Some of the factors involved include:

  • The age of each partner
  • The general health of each spouse
  • The length of the marriage
  • Contributions (financial and otherwise) each spouse made to the marriage
  • Economic opportunities each spouse lost during the marriage
  • Employment and earning potential of each spouse

The judge has the right to consider other factors as well.

How Long Could You Pay Spousal Support?

You may be ordered to pay spousal support for several years, or you could find yourself paying for just a couple of months. Each case is different, and it is something the judge will consider carefully before making an order. The spousal support you are ordered to pay may also change over time, and you can request that it is changed depending on your circumstances.

Should You Request Spousal Support?

You should request spousal support if you know that ending the marriage is going to have a financial impact on you. For example, you may have been struggling financially or you know that you will be struggling financially after the relationship ends and you are forced to leave the family home. You may fear that you could be required to pay support, but it could become clear that you are actually owed support.

Should You Fight a Spousal Support Request?

You can also find yourself in the position where your spouse requests support but you are actually in no position to pay this support. You should consider fighting spousal support in these kinds of situations.

Should You Consult With a Divorce Attorney?

Whether you think you deserve alimony or you think that you may be ordered to pay it, you should speak with a professional. A professional can help you determine the steps you need to take in court to have the best possible outcome.

For additional information, check out a resource like Peter A. Garin, Attorney At Law.

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