What Do You Know About Alimony?

Posted on: 8 April 2018

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If you are in the midst of a divorce, asking for alimony might be the last thing on your mind. After all, you might imagine that alimony is a thing of the past and is only ordered in extreme cases of wealth or infirmary. You could not be more wrong. Alimony, known also as spousal support or maintenance, is alive and well and ordered every day to those who can show a need. Read on for some quick facts about this form of financial support so that you may reconsider this issue before your divorce is final.

1. The very issue that led to the creation of alimony is the same today as it ever was. The only difference nowadays is that the male of the relationship has as much right to ask for it as the female. If you missed out on work or educational opportunities because you gave your time and attention to other issues, you may be entitled to get alimony with a divorce. For example, if any of the following sound like you, then alimony may be needed and awarded:

  • You stayed home to care for the children of the marriage and have little to no work skills or experience to rely on now that you are divorcing.
  • You gave up an opportunity for college to financially and emotionally support a spouse while they got the education they wanted.
  • You left college early because of a pregnancy and never had the opportunity to finish your degree.
  • You are too old or sick to seek employment that would not mean accepting a drop in lifestyle.

2. One other aspect of alimony that is somewhat different today than in the past is that this form of financial support is not viewed in regard to fault. With most states recognizing the no-fault model of divorce, the who-did-what-to-who is not usually pertinent when it comes to alimony, at least in most cases. To say that the bad behavior on the part of a spouse does not affect alimony might be going too far, however.

3. There are actually three different types of alimony:

  • Temporary alimony is awarded to cover the time period between the separation and the divorce decree. This is accomplished by way of either a legal separation agreement or a free-standing order from the family court judge. If you need help, take action right way.
  • Rehabilitative alimony is the most common form awarded and is based not on a certain timeline but on the accomplishment of certain goals, like job training, getting a job, or the completion of college.
  • Permanent alimony may be awarded for spouses who show little chances of entering the job market and supporting themselves. Often, this applies to older or ill spouses.

Speak to your divorce attorney about alimony and get the help you need and deserve. For more information, talk to companies like Begley Carlin & Mandio LLP.