Spousal support—also known as alimony—is the legal obligation to provide financial support to a partner during or after a separation or divorce. The primary purpose is to maintain the economic well-being of an individual who may have been monetarily dependent on their partner during their marriage. A variety of factors determine alimony—for example, even a spouse with a job can require alimony.
Divorce proceedings often come with monetary risks. Because of the gravity of what is at stake, the importance of hiring an experienced family law attorney cannot be overstated. When you are concerned about your financial well-being, consult with the dedicated legal professionals at Busald Funk Zevely. Whether you are in the process of negotiating a separation agreement or are already involved in a divorce proceeding, a knowledgeable Erlanger spousal support lawyer could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Factors Influencing Spousal Support
Every alimony case is based on facts. Support is not always warranted, nor is it influenced by the gender of the requesting spouse. However, local courts will consider certain factors in their determination, such as:
Duration of Marriage
Longer marriages may lead to a higher likelihood of spousal support being awarded.
Financial Resources
The court will evaluate each spouse’s income, assets, and liabilities.
Standard of Living During Marriage
The court will aim to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage.
Age and Health
Older partners or those with health issues may receive support to maintain their quality of life.
Education and Employment Opportunities
A partner who sacrificed their career for their marriage or needs further education may receive support.
Contributions to the Marriage
Contributions such as homemaking, childcare, or support of a partner’s education during marriage may be considered.
Custody and Care of Children
The court may consider how child custody arrangements affect each spouse financially.
Our skilled Erlanger lawyers could assess these factors in a spousal support case and provide a comprehensive understanding of commonwealth statutes and legal precedents.
Types of Spousal Support
The Kentucky Commonwealth does not favor long-term spousal support in order to encourage independence after divorce. As an Erlanger alimony attorney could explain in detail, there are three main types of spousal support.
Permanent Spousal Support
Only when a couple has been married for more than 10 years will a judge consider permanent support. Even then, it can be modified or terminated by a judge when appropriate. Spousal support usually ends when the receiving partner remarries or either partner passes away.
Rehabilitative Maintenance
This is the most common form of support. Rehabilitative support is awarded for a specific period of time to help the receiving spouse become financially independent. This can be limited to either five years or half of the length of the marriage.
Temporary Spousal Support
Temporary support is granted during the divorce process and may continue until a final settlement is reached. This agreement is short-term and ends when the divorce is finalized. The court will require the spouse requesting temporary alimony to submit a list of assets and expenses.
Contact an Erlanger Spousal Support Attorney About Your Situation Today
Life after divorce takes planning. Spousal support is one of the areas of family law with the greatest amount of uncertainty. A well-practiced Erlanger spousal support lawyer could assist you in strategizing how to protect your assets and your future. The legal professionals at our firm have decades of experience in getting great results. From providing legal advice to advocating for your rights in court, our team could help you achieve the best outcome in your case. Call today to schedule a consultation.
