What Are My Spousal Support Options During Divorce?

Just because you and your spouse are deciding to end your marriage doesn’t mean that you two will no longer support each other. One spouse is often more financially well off than the other spouse in a relationship, and this financial difference still matters in a divorce. The less well-off spouse may actually be entitled to receive spousal support, also known as alimony, to help him or her live a successful life after the divorce.

What Is Spousal Support or Alimony?

Spousal support is financial assistance that recognizes the financial differences between two spouses and assists the recipient in maintaining financial independence. Alimony rules vary in each state, and it is available only to couples who were once legally married. The amount of financial assistance will depend on a number of factors, such as the length of the marriage, each person’s specific earnings and earning capacity, contributions to the household or career, and physical health of the recipient.

What Are the Different Spousal Support Options?

• Rehabilitative alimony: This type of spousal support is given for a specific time period, and it gives the recipient funds in order to obtain the job skills and education needed for him or her to become self-sufficient and financially stable. This is a common type of spousal support for stay-at-home parents as well. This alimony can be reviewed at the end of the granted time period if the court believes that continued support is needed due to certain hardships, such as illness or some sort of incapacitation.
• Lump-sum spousal support: This is granted instead of a property settlement. This alimony is a fixed amount of money paid regardless of the recipient’s financial situation. It can be paid to the estate of a deceased recipient, and the amount provided is equal to the total of future monthly payments.
• Permanent spousal support: This type of financial support continues until the recipient either remarries or dies. These payments can be adjusted over time due to changes in circumstances, such as the recipient receiving a well-paying job or another major income source or the paying spouse suffering a loss in income or retiring.
• Reimbursement alimony: This can happen if the spouse who works full time to support her partner is dumped shortly after. This support will help reimburse one spouse for expenses that occurred in order to help the other spouse receive an education, etc.

If you would like to know more about alimony and spousal support, contact our divorce attorneys today for a consultation.