Understanding Alimony

Unlike child support — typically determined in a regularized, formulaic way when parents divorce — alimony is often a larger question.

The first part of the question is whether a divorce should include spousal support during the divorce process and/or alimony after its conclusion. When one spouse has been financially dependent or when incomes and assets vary greatly, a family

law court may expect to see alimony as part of a property division settlement.

When The Gufford Law Firm, P.A., is your divorce law firm, you should not encounter surprises when you go before a judge. We will prepare you and help you understand what your court order is likely to include regarding property division, alimony, child custody and child support.

Calculations And Duration

If the answer is “yes, there should be alimony,” the next part of the question is “how much and for how long?” Amounts are typically based on a variety of factors, such as the recipient’s needs and the payer’s income and assets.

Sometimes a wife or husband needs support during the months or years leading up to finalization of the divorce. A divorce court may order temporary spousal maintenance in such cases. Alimony to be paid after a divorce may be rehabilitative (to allow the spouse who earned less to retool and become self-supporting) or permanent. A benefit of working with one of our divorce attorneys is that we can help ensure you receive what you are eligible for or pay no more than what you are responsible

Should Alimony Be Modified Or Come To An End?

Even when alimony is permanent, remarriage or cohabitation by the ex-spouse receiving it may mean alimony should be reduced or cease altogether. To ensure that you pay or receive the appropriate amount of spousal maintenance or alimony, work with a knowledgeable attorney.

Our divorce lawyers at The Gufford Law Firm, P.A., can analyze your and your spouse’s financial situations and represent you in settlement negotiations.

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