Will Alimony Be A Factor In Your Divorce?
Although it is not used in all cases, alimony (or spousal support) is an important tool to help ease financial disparities between divorcing spouses. Because it can have a significant and lasting impact on both parties, however, it is important to work with an experienced attorney, regardless of whether you expect to pay alimony or receive it. When you hire Steven N. Cole, LLC, I will utilize nearly 30 years of legal experience to help you understand your divorce options and advocate for the outcomes you need and deserve.
Who Receives Alimony In An Arizona Divorce?
No party in a divorce case is guaranteed an award for spousal maintenance, but either party can request these payments. When it comes to determining whether alimony is appropriate, the judge will weigh a variety of factors that are based on the principle of fairness. These include:
- Each spouse’s current standard of living
- The duration of the marriage
- Each party’s age
- Each party’s health
- Each party’s income
- Each party’s earning capacity
- Each party’s personal resources
The judge will also take into consideration the contributions that both parties have made to the marriage. Every person has a unique situation and will require the knowledgeable guidance of a family law attorney.
Understanding The Various Types Of Spousal Support
Post-divorce alimony can only be awarded prior to the finalization of the divorce. If you fail to request alimony as part of the divorce, you cannot go back and do so later. Different types of alimony can be awarded, including:
- Alimony pendente lite – The court can award alimony pendente lite between the initial filing of divorce and the time that the divorce is made final. This type of alimony is used during divorce to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage.
- Rehabilitative alimony – Time-limited alimony is called rehabilitative alimony. It supports the recipient while he or she goes back to school or otherwise transitions to being self-supporting.
- Permanent alimony – Only in rare circumstances can you receive permanent alimony, which has no specific endpoint.
Alimony can be modified with the approval of a court. If you need to decrease your alimony payments or you are receiving benefits and need them adjusted, my firm can help. There is much more to the legal issue of spousal maintenance, and it is crucial that you have an attorney on your side who can help you understand your options and pursue the support that you need for your future.
Free Consultations Available At Your Convenience
Receive the legal help that you need by contacting Steven N. Cole, LLC, in Scottsdale. I understand the difficulties associated with time management and family law issues. That’s why, in addition to free consultations, my firm also offers weekend and evening appointments. To get started, send me an email or call 480-674-5475.