Spousal support, or alimony, is payment to a spouse after a separation or divorce. This payment, based either on an agreement between the divorcing spouses or decided upon by the court, is to limit any unfair economic effects a divorce may have on a lower-wage-earning or non-wage-earning spouse. The spousal support payment offers continued financial support for a spouse to remain at home to raise children and/or to continue the standard of living that was had during the marriage.
Spousal support differs from child support in that it supports the ex-spouse and might be paid with or without dependent children.
What Determines How Much Spousal Support Will Be Paid?
The following factors go into determining how much alimony is awarded by the court to the ex-spouse:
- Length of the marriage
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Age, physical and emotional health, and financial condition of the former spouse
- Financial ability of the payer spouse to support the recipient spouse
- Financial needs of the recipient spouse.
- Ability of the recipient spouse to pay for his/her needs.
How Long Can You Expect to Pay or Receive Alimony?
The court will award alimony payments for a certain duration that is decided after the following factors are considered, which may include:
- The length of the marriage
- If the receiving spouse gets remarried
- If children no longer need a full-time parent at home
- If the receiving spouse has not made sufficient effort to become at least somewhat financially independent
- If retirement is reached (payments may be continued but the amount may be adjusted)
- Death (payments may continue to be made from an estate or life insurance proceeds)
What Should You Do If Your Ex Refuses to Pay Alimony?
If a judge has ordered your ex to pay alimony but he or she refuses to pay the full amount or refuses to pay any amount at all, it’s important to take immediate legal action to compel your ex-spouse to follow the Court’s orders. A spousal support lawyer can help you through the court process when it comes to getting the money you deserve.
Contact Burton Family Attorneys today with your alimony case!
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Disclaimer: Using this site or communicating with Burton Family Attorneys through this site does not form an attorney/client relationship. This site is legal advertising only. Do not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to legal advice from your attorney or other professional legal services providers. If you have any specific questions about any legal matter, you should consult your attorney or professional legal services providers.