One of the most important things you may have to consider when going through a divorce is alimony. Alimony, also known as spousal support, is money that one spouse pays to the other to help them maintain their lifestyle after the divorce.
Types of alimony
There are many types of alimony. The most common ones include:
- Temporary spousal support: This is money that’s paid during the divorce proceedings. It is typically used to help the lower-earning spouse maintain their current standard of living until a final decision about alimony is made.
- Rehabilitative spousal support: This type of alimony is typically designed to help the receiving spouse get back on their feet. It is typically paid for a set period, after which it ends.
- Permanent spousal support: This is alimony that gets paid indefinitely and usually goes to the higher-earning spouse.
Who gets to pay alimony?
The spouse who earns more money may need to pay alimony to the other spouse. However, there are several factors that courts will consider when making this decision, including the spouses’ incomes and assets, the length of the marriage and the needs of each spouse.
What if you can no longer afford to pay alimony?
If you cannot afford to pay alimony, you may be able to ask the court for a modification. The court will consider your current income and expenses when making this decision. For instance, if you have lost your job or incurred significant medical expenses, the court may reduce or terminate your alimony payments.
Going through a divorce can be difficult, but it is important to understand the various aspects of the process. The courts consider various factors when deciding on alimony in order to arrive at the best decision for your family.