When you get married, you and your spouse’s finances become intertwined. However, when you get divorced, you and your partner will need to work to divide your finances. Alimony is a prevalent issue of contention in many marriages and involves one spouse supporting the other to help them become financially independent after the marriage. At Simonetti & Associates, our experienced Nassau family lawyer is here to walk you through the process and determine if you are eligible for alimony. Continue reading to learn more.
Am I Eligible For Alimony?
Alimony, or spousal maintenance, is not automatic or ordered in every divorce. If you are in the process of a divorce and planning to request alimony, you’ll want to know what it is and if you are eligible. Alimony is simply defined as one spouse’s payment to the other, usually under the couple’s agreement or court order after divorce or during the proceedings. New York state uses the term spousal maintenance, but they mean the same thing. Alimony exists so that the divorce does not enrich one spouse at the expense of the other. There are many types of spousal maintenance available to accommodate various circumstances, including:
- Temporary Maintenance – Temporary spousal maintenance may be awarded by the courts to ensure dependent spouses can maintain their lifestyle during the divorce process.
- Rehabilitative Support – Rehabilitative support may be granted to allow recipient spouses to bolster their employment potential. To become self-sufficient, the spouse can seek job training, higher education, or relevant work experience. This support can help stay-at-home parents with custody of young children remain with their children until they reach school age.
- Permanent Maintenance – Permanent support is the type of alimony that continues until the death of the recipient spouse, death of the paying spouse, or remarriage of the recipient spouse. This can be adjusted by the courts depending on the circumstances of the former spouses.
Alimony is typically granted in cases where spouses have been married for a long time and have unequal earning power. There are several factors that the courts will consider when making decisions regarding spousal maintenance, but our Nassau family lawyer is here to help you understand this process and achieve a favorable outcome in the event of your divorce.
Contact Our Nassau Family Lawyer
At Simonetti & Associates, our accomplished Nassau family lawyer is here to discuss your alimony/spousal maintenance concerns. If you believe that you may qualify for alimony, our team is here to help you consider your options and proceed forward. Be sure to contact Simonetti & Associates today and request your free consultation!
