Alimony (Spousal Support)

There’s no doubt that divorce is a huge adjustment. Relationships with your spouse and even your children are apt to change, as will your financial situation. Oftentimes with divorce, one spouse is required to pay alimony, or spousal support, to the other. Though the concept is simple enough, the process is rarely so clean-cut. There are a number of factors that a judge will consider when deciding on the amount of alimony that will be paid, and for how long.

When Alimony Will Be Awarded

Each state has its own specific laws pertaining to divorce and alimony, which guide the courts in deciding how alimony is awarded, but the final decision is left up to the judge. Some of the factors considered include:

• Standard of living throughout the marriage
• Income and financial situation of each party at the time of divorce
• Each person’s physical and emotional health, as well as their age
• The level of one person’s need for financial support, and the other’s ability to pay

How Much Will Be Awarded?

Among other factors, alimony is generally awarded based on the amount that the recipient will need for support. Things like:

• Housing, clothing, and food
• Reasonable transportation costs
• Other household expenses

How Long Do Payments Last?

Alimony payment terms vary by state. Some laws mandate that alimony ends when:

• The payee re-marries or begins living with a significant other
• The paying spouse passes away
• The divorce agreement states a particular date for alimony termination

Alimony is often one of the touchiest subjects to come up during a divorce. It can be stressful and draw out the divorce process significantly if proper preparations aren’t made. Whether you are seeking alimony, or challenging a request for it, the team of attorneys at BCN Law Firm can help. Contact us for a free consultation* to discuss questions regarding the alimony process at (352) 775-4739