Guiding You Towards a Fair and Secure Future with Compassionate Alimony Advocacy
Alimony Overview
Alimony, or spousal support is awarded to the party who earns less than the other party in the marriage. Alimony is awarded when the lesser earning party has a need beyond their ability to earn to live as their spouse is able to. However, alimony will only be awarded when the higher earning spouse has the ability to pay alimony after their own reasonable needs are met.
A court may order alimony based on many factors, after determining if there is a need for alimony and the ability to pay alimony, including:
- The length of the marriage,
- The standard of living established during the marriage,
- The age and health of the parties,
- Whether one spouse contributed homemaking and child rearing duties while the other spouse concentrated on career building,
- Each spouse's educational level, vocational skills, and employability,
- What income each spouse has available to them, including wages and/or investments, and
- Whether the homemaking spouse has continued responsibilities to minor children that impedes his/her ability to work full time.
Alimony Types
- Bridge-the-Gap alimony can be ordered for legitimate identifiable short-term needs to assist a party in transitioning from married to single life. This type of alimony shall not exceed a two year period.
- Rehabilitative alimony may be awarded to assist a party in establishing the capacity for self-support through either redevelopment of previous skills or acquisition of education, training, or work experience necessary to develop employment skills or credentials.
- Durational alimony is meant to provide a party with economic assistance for a set period of time following a short or moderate marriage. The length of durational alimony cannot exceed the length of the marriage.
The length of the marriage can also be used in determination of alimony. The court categorizes the terms as short-term, moderate-term, and long-term. A short-term marriage is a marriage lasting less than 10 years. A moderate-term marriage is one that lasts between 10 and 20 years. A long-term marriage is one that lasts 20 years or longer.
Our law firm has twenty-five years of experience and knowledge to provide clients in determining the type and amount of alimony best suited to clients need to move forward after the dissolution of marriage.
Common Questions
Here are the two most common questions clients ask us regarding alimony:
How long will this take? The duration of alimony proceedings varies based on factors such as the complexity of financial arrangements and spousal support negotiations. We strive for an efficient resolution, focusing on your unique circumstances to provide a timeframe during our initial consultation that aligns with your specific situation.
How much will this cost? The cost of alimony representation depends on the intricacies of your case. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your specific needs and circumstances, providing a transparent breakdown of potential fees and expenses. Our goal is to offer effective and affordable legal solutions tailored to your situation.
The Legal Process
Here's a general overview of the steps involved in navigating alimony cases with us. From initial consultations to final agreements, we break down each stage, providing clarity and guidance to help you understand what to expect. Our aim is to make the legal journey as smooth and informed as possible, ensuring you feel supported at every turn.
Initial Consultation and Financial Assessment: Our process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your financial situation and alimony needs. We review income, marital assets, duration of marriage, and other relevant factors to accurately assess your case and determine a fair approach to alimony.
Negotiation and Agreement Drafting: Based on the financial assessment, we proceed to negotiate alimony terms. This involves discussions with the other party's counsel to reach a mutually agreeable solution. We then draft an alimony agreement that reflects these terms, ensuring it aligns with your best interests.
Legal Filing and Court Proceedings: The final step is the legal filing of the alimony agreement and representing you in court, if necessary. We handle all procedural aspects, advocating for your rights and ensuring the court's decision is fair and equitable. Our aim is to secure an alimony arrangement that provides financial stability and respects your contributions to the marriage.