Getting a divorce is difficult for most every couple, no matter how you look at it. There is often plenty of focus on how trying it is mentally and emotionally but it is important to understand that it can be financially devastating as well. In those cases, alimony is often the solution. If you are worried that you will not have the finances to continue in your current lifestyle then you should contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell as soon as possible at (909) 920-0908 for a free legal consultation.
There are laws that govern how alimony is determined
There are several factors that are used to determine how much alimony will be given but the main factor is the financial circumstances both spouses maintained during the divorce. If it is not reasonable to expect that one spouse can maintain that standard of living, and the other spouse is financially in a position to help then alimony may be awarded. Other factors that will determine how much alimony is given include:
- How long the couple was married
- How old both spouse are
- The health of both parties
- How much each contributed to the marriage – this includes not just financially but homemaking and child care contributions as well
- Financial resources including non-martial and marital assets
- Emotional / physical condition of both parties
There are three main types of alimony you can seek
When your divorce begins, your family law attorney should file for temporary alimony in order for your needs to be met while the divorce proceeds. As far as permanent alimony is concerned, there are three options:
- Transitional alimony: This is awarded as a one-time payment so that the lower-earning spouse is able to pay for something that will help them support themselves, such as buying a car, moving, etc.
- Rehabilitative alimony: This is awarded for a specific amount of time and the goal is to help the lower-earning spouse to go back to school, improve their job skills, or do something else that will allow them to improve their employability.
- Lifetime alimony. If you were married to your spouse for at least ten years then you may be eligible for alimony that is paid each month until your former spouse dies or you remarry.
Call now to discover your specific options
There are many options open to you. This may seem like a time of endings but it is a time of beginnings as well. If your spouse was the sole earner or higher earner then you may be eligible for financial help as you get your new life into order.
The best way to find out what your specific options are is to talk to an attorney. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we can begin with a free legal consultation. This makes it possible for you to learn more about the options and how they may apply to your case. Call us today at (909) 920-0908 to begin the process.
