What are Your Spousal Support Options

  • Posted on: Feb 24 2023
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While a marriage may end, the spousal obligations may not if one spouse is not or is not able to work. When this occurs one spouse will be providing financial support to the other in the form of alimony.

When alimony is provided, it may involve many different methods including rehabilitative alimony, lump sum alimony, permanent alimony, reimbursement alimony, or temporary alimony.. Typically, the circumstances of both spouses will be considered when the amount and duration of payment is being decided.

Rehabilitative Alimony

When a spouse is receiving rehabilitative alimony, it is for a certain period of time. This alimony also assists the spouse in being able to be supported while finding a job to support themself or obtain skills leading to a job. This type of alimony is also provided when one spouse needs to be at home to take care of any children the couple had by being at home.

Lump-Sum Alimony

Alimony that is paid at one-time is known as lump-sum alimony. This payment is a fixed amount and usually surrounds a property sale that gets split. Usually, the total amount up-front is an equal amount that would be paid monthly.

Permanent Alimony

When permanent alimony is established, it is based on whether the recipient or payor dies and if the recipient becomes remarried. The permanent alimony may become suspended if the spouse cohabits and it is viewed as a marriage in which support is provided. Adjustments to the alimony may be made if life circumstances change significantly.

Reimbursement Alimony

When a spouse helps to put the other through school and then gets divorced once they graduate, will be able to obtain alimony reimbursement.  This alimony is granted when the incurred expenses have helped the spouse to achieve their education. The court does not factor in if there is a need for the money as it is a payback for the time the spouse was attending school.

Temporary Alimony

When the alimony is temporary, it is established when separation occurs but the spouses are still married. This type of alimony is usually a written agreement between both parties that stipulates the amount and duration. This agreement is not formally filed with the court so that things can remain simple.

Just like any other alimony type, adjustment can also be made and a new agreement may be made. If the agreement is filed in court, a judge will need to permit any changes.

Get The Right Type Of Alimony

When you are divorcing or separating, it is important to have the correct type of alimony for your situation. When you get a hold of an experienced divorce attorney, they will review your case and determine which alimony option is best for your financial situation. So give us a call today to get started.

Posted in: Family Law, Uncategorized