When one spouse is financially dependent on the other, a divorce can put a significant financial strain on that person. Spousal support or alimony orders are common when one party earns significantly more money than the other, or one person stayed at home to help with childcare and household management.
If you believe you may be eligible to receive alimony or are unable to meet your financial needs, call a skilled Stamford spousal support lawyer to help you reach a favorable outcome. The dedicated family law attorneys at our firm are prepared to guide you through the process of requesting or modifying a spousal support order.
In a divorce, either spouse can request spousal support using the court paperwork. There are two requirements for alimony. The requesting spouse must be in need of financial assistance, and the other spouse must be able to afford it.
When reviewing a request for spousal support, the court will consider factors such as:
Couples can come to their own settlement for the terms of a spousal support order. However, the judge has broad discretion to determine whether to award alimony, how much is awarded, and the length of time the payments are given. Anyone with questions about their eligibility to give or receive spousal support should contact a qualified attorney.
There are a few types of spousal support that a judge may order, such as temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent alimony.
Temporary spousal support is often appropriate when a divorce is pending, and the lower-earning spouse needs assistance to maintain an adequate standard of living. Once the divorce is finalized, a new support order can be created if the recipient is still in financial need.
Rehabilitative spousal support is awarded when the lower-earning spouse can eventually become self-supporting after a certain period of time. Often, this support lasts while the recipient spouse is attending school or obtaining the necessary skills to enter the job market.
Permanent alimony is somewhat rare. This type of spousal support is awarded when one spouse cannot become self-supporting after the divorce due to age, disability, or other factors.
Spouses who are unsure of the type of spousal support they might receive should discuss their financial circumstances with an attorney. Further, parties who wish to turn a temporary alimony award into a rehabilitative or permanent order should seek legal advice from a professional.
If you are getting a divorce and believe you may be eligible for spousal support, turn to an attorney as soon as possible. A Stamford spousal support lawyer can represent you in court proceedings or negotiations to draft an alimony agreement. Call Dolan Divorce Lawyers today to cement your fight for your rights and pursue a fair and equitable resolution to your divorce.