Attitudes toward spousal support have changed over the past few years. Traditionally, men paid alimony to their ex-wives each month until she remarried or passed away. However, today’s courts aren’t as likely to grant permanent spousal support. Settlements are likely to come in the form of a lump sum or temporary payments. Once a couple decides to divorce, they must negotiate matters such as child custody, the division of property, and spousal support.
Considerations for an Alimony Settlement
Laws related to spousal support vary by jurisdiction, but judges often consider multiple factors when deciding whether to award alimony. Such factors include:
* The marriage’s length. The longer a couple has been married, the more spousal support is likely to be awarded.
* Each spouse’s current and future earnings potential. Alimony is there to help a spouse enjoy the same standard of living they had while married. If one spouse earns much less than the other, they are likely to receive alimony.
* If one spouse sacrificed their earnings potential to further the other spouse’s career or education.
Judges understand that a person’s success can often be due in part to the other spouse’s efforts, and they often consider this when determining an alimony amount.
* If one spouse was a stay-at-home parent. If a parent stayed at home to maintain the household and did not earn an outside income, courts realize that it may take time for that person to become self-sufficient.
* Each spouse’s degree of fault for the divorce. Many jurisdictions have eliminated fault considerations from the determination of spousal support, but judges may consider it on an individual basis.
* Whether other economic factors significantly affect either of the spouses
Consult an Attorney for Spousal Support Help
If divorcing spouses cannot come to an agreement, a Divorce attorney in Scranton PA, can tell them about their rights to support, and they can give the client a good idea of the size of a potential alimony settlement. Clients should also consider consulting a tax advisor for a briefing on the tax consequences of spousal support.
