What You Need to Know about Spousal Support
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is often a misunderstood part of divorce. Some people think only women get support, while others don’t fully understand the factors that go into determining when or how much support should be ordered.
Here are a few critical facts regarding alimony:
Alimony is a Source of Income
Alimony is the money paid from one spouse to the other after a divorce, in order to correct any unfair economic effects of the divorce. For example, a stay-at-home mother may get alimony so that she can continue to stay at home, or to help (in addition to child support) support her children until such time as she can find work.
Either Spouse Can Receive Alimony
Gender is not one of the factors that determines whether alimony is ordered. Husbands can be eligible for it, too, if the determining factors are there.
Just Because you were Married doesn’t mean you can get Alimony
Having been married is a requirement to receive alimony, but it’s not the only one. Depending on your state, you also have to have been married for a certain length of time. You may also need to prove that you cannot work, will be raising minor children, will need to find a new job because you worked for your spouse during the marriage, or that you need the money to maintain a basic standard of living. Education, disabilities, and support you provided to your spouse during the marriage are other potential factors.
Alimony can be in a Lump Sum or paid monthly over a period of years
Depending on the circumstances, and with judge and recipient approval, alimony can be paid in one lump sum. This has advantages in that you never have to worry about it going unpaid, having to try to enforce the order, or having the monthly reminder of a prior marriage. However, a lump sum can also be taxed.
Whether you’re a spouse that might be paying, or one that is hoping to receive spousal support, Howard, Lewis, & Petersen can help.
