Spousal Support, or Alimony, has historically been given to women in order to maintain the lifestyle they had while married after a divorce. This is no longer a common practice. In modern day divorce, however, spousal support may be awarded if one spouse is left at a significant economic disadvantage, regardless of his or her gender. Everyone makes sacrifices for their family. If you quit your job after marriage, put off your education in order to support your spouse, or experienced a change in your economic status, support may be ordered to help you acquire skills to become self-supporting.
Many factors go into a court's decision to award spousal support:
- Your actual need and your spouse's ability to pay
- The length of the marriage
- Your physical and emotional health as well as your age
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The education level and earning capacity of each spouse
- The fault and reason for dissolution
If spousal support is found to be just and reasonable, it can be awarded as limited duration or term, permanent, lump sum, rehabilitative or as reimbursement.
You cannot ask for support after your divorce is finalized. Agreeing upon just $1 per year will allow you to ask for more later if your situation changes.
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You made your sacrifices, now find out your options and what you are entitled to receive. Contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation and case review.
