Divorce Lawyer

Many people do not understand that there are different types of spousal support. For those who are unfamiliar with it, they may believe that once you get divorced from your spouse and are awarded support or alimony, there is a stream of income that trails off at an undetermined time. However, spousal support is much more specific than this and it is crucial, whether you are the one who is paying spousal support or you are the one who wishes to receive it, that you work with a lawyer to ensure you are getting a fair deal. Spousal support can be tricky and it helps to have a basic idea of the different types so that you understand what may work best for your circumstances. While some states have very specific laws regarding how long spousal support can last, others leave it up to the discretion of the judge involved in the case. 

Can you receive spousal support while your divorce is pending? 

It is possible to receive a temporary kind of support while you are still going through your divorce. For many people, especially stay-at-home parents who may be out of the workforce, separating while getting a divorce may be an extreme shock. It makes sense that you would need financial help more immediately. Your lawyer can help you create a document outlining an agreement regarding temporary support. 

What if you have not been married for a long time? 

If you have not been married for very long, your lawyer, like a spousal support lawyer from a law firm like Robinson & Hadeed may fight for short-term support. This kind of spousal support would last for a few years and you and your spouse would need to come to an agreement on the exact date that this support will end. 

What if one spouse has not been working? 

Many spouses choose to stay at home to raise children and when this happens, it can make divorce especially difficult. If you find yourself in this position, your lawyer can argue for a type of rehabilitative support. This kind of support is created specifically to allow the dependent spouse to get back on their feet, train for work, and re-enter the workforce. While there may not be a specific end date to this, the support ends when the recipient of this support becomes employed. 

What kind of long-term support is available? 

Long-term support is available and typically given to spouses who were married for ten years or longer. This can happen especially in circumstances where the dependent spouse likely will not have the opportunity to re-enter the workforce. This kind of support may not have a specific end date but can end when one of the parties dies or if the recipient of the support is then being supported by another partner or remarries. 

When you need help with spousal support and are unsure of what steps you should take when going to court, do not hesitate to get in contact with a lawyer who can walk you through this process.