The Process of Asking for Alimony Amid a Divorce

Reaching the decision to divorce your spouse is not often easy. The financial impact that both people may experience is sometimes enough for people to continue to remain in a relationship that they no longer want to be in. The idea of contending with so many changes can be overwhelming. Much of the time, there is one person in the relationship who is the higher earner. In this type of situation, you may consider speaking with a lawyer about whether you are entitled to alimony/spousal support. A lawyer can help by protecting your interests, advocating for alimony payments and help to reduce the likelihood that alimony will be rejected. For help with alimony and your divorce, do not delay in contacting a divorce lawyer, such as from The McKinney Law Group

Determining Alimony Payments

If you believe that you are entitled to alimony, you may be curious of how alimony payments will be calculated. There are primarily two ways that alimony payments can be determined. You and your spouse may reach an agreement amicably, or you may need to turn to the courts to render a decision. While much of the time alimony is meant to be temporary, available for a period of time until the lesser earning spouse is able to get back on their feet again. In some situations, alimony may be received on a more permanent basis. When determining alimony payments, there are a number of factors that will be taken into consideration by the judge: 

  • Confirmation that the spouse is in need of financial support
  • Whether alimony will be enough to allow each party to maintain their standard of living
  • What the expenses of both parties will be
  • The amount of income the higher earner can bring in each month
  • Ensure that the other party is able to pay alimony each month
  • Circumstances surrounding the marriage, such as behavior amongst each party, the standard of living, and the contributions that were made during the marriage

Working with an alimony lawyer can play a crucial role in negotiating alimony payments and presenting evidence in support of your need. 

When Alimony is Rejected

No person in need of alimony wants to learn that their request has been rejected. This can be a bit unsettling, especially if you are reliant upon this source of income to support yourself. Much of the time, once a divorce is finalized, you may not be able to make changes if your request for alimony has been denied. However, in some cases, when this decision has been reached in error, it may be possible to take action. Examples might include, assets that have been hidden by the other party, mistake or fraud. Additionally, in order to secure alimony payments, it’s in your best interest to have an agreement that is in writing. This can help you to safeguard the alimony that you are entitled to. To ensure that your rights are protected during divorce and beyond, it’s important that you obtain the representation of an experienced lawyer. 

Contacting an Alimony Lawyer

The financial impact that a divorce can have is especially challenging. When managing the many changes a divorce can bring, along with supporting your children and healing emotionally, it can feel incredibly overwhelming. Alimony is one way of ensuring that you continue to receive the financial support you are in need of after you have reached the decision to no longer continue in your marriage. You have a right to ensure that you are protected, contact an alimony lawyer before it’s too late.