Factors That Affect Alimony
Going through a divorce is never easy. Both parties need to work through the many issues involved and resolve them. One of the issues that must be resolved is alimony. Alimony is the payment of money from one spouse to the other. There are different types of alimony, also known as spousal support. Temporary alimony is often provided on an interim basis while the divorce is being finalized. Permanent alimony is court-ordered money that is provided for the spouse and is independent of child support payments. There are many factors that affect how much alimony is provided as well as the length of time it will be paid:
- The length of the marriage
- The age of the spouse
- The physical health of the parties
- The mental health of the parties
- The education of each party
- The work experience of each person
- The income of each person
- Potential income of each person
- The marital assets
- The marital liabilities
- Reason for the divorce
- The amount of money each person contributed to the marriage
- The monthly expenses of each party
These are the most common items that are taken into consideration when determining alimony. When one spouse worked while the other stayed home to care for the home and children, alimony may be granted to the person who stayed home. It is beneficial for the parties to agree to alimony. However, when the parties cannot reach an agreement, the court will decide on alimony. Your attorney will represent you to make sure that the alimony agreement is a fair one. In some cases, alimony will be provided on a short-term basis until the other party is able to get additional education to join the work force. This is called rehabilitative alimony. The length of time that alimony is paid is part of the final determination. In most cases, alimony ends when the spouse receiving the money gets remarried.
Contact an Orlando attorney specializing in alimony at Katz & Phillips. An attorney can assist you throughout the process of your divorce and will work to help resolve pertinent issues, including the allocation of alimony.
