Going through a divorce is a difficult process. The aftermath can add even more on your plate. Now you have to pay your ex-spouse alimony. That’s even more stress added on to you. If you’ve never paid alimony before or you don’t know anybody who has paid it before, you may not know how it works. It’s essential to know what the different types of alimony you may have to pay. You should know how the court determines it in the first place as well as how long you will have to pay alimony.
Types of Alimony
There are several types of alimony you may have to pay. The first type of alimony is temporary alimony. This alimony is usually given in the early stages until everything in the divorce is finalized. Lump sum alimony is the second form of alimony. Alimony will have to be paid all at once instead of monthly payments. The third type is permanent alimony. This is typical form of alimony that is paid monthly. It’s for longer marriages. Rehabilitative alimony is another form. This is typically given when a spouse has sacrificed their professional career or education during the marriage.
How does the court determine it?
When determining alimony, the court basis it off of the standard of living you and your former spouse had as a married couple. The payer of alimony typically won’t have to pay more than the amount needed for meeting that standard of living. If an ex-spouse has custody of minor children who still need support, the court will look at that as well. They look at the potential recipient’s ability to earn an income. For example, if an ex-spouse is disabled and can’t work then they may receive alimony. As mentioned previously, the length of the marriage is also essential in determining alimony. The court also looks at if an ex-spouse did something that caused the breakup of the marriage. For example if an ex-spouse cheated causing the marriage to end, then they may be required to pay alimony.
How long will you have to pay?
Alimony typically doesn’t last forever. Just as child support doesn’t last forever and ends when the child(ren) turn 18. You should know the situations in which you no longer have to pay alimony. The judge can determine a set date for alimony to end. This is typically for a few years. If the former spouse remarries, then you no longer have to pay alimony. If your ex-spouse dies, then you no longer have to pay alimony. If there are children involved and they no longer require a full-time parent at home, then you not need to pay anymore alimony. If the judge finds that the other spouse hasn’t put forth the effort to be self-supporting, then the judge can cancel alimony payments. For example, the recipient relies only on the alimony payments and doesn’t put forth the effort to get a job. Alimony payments can end when there is another significant event that occurs or the court simply orders it to end.
The amount you have to pay in alimony may be completely unfair to you. Or you may be on the other end, you aren’t receiving enough alimony. Salt Lake City alimony lawyer Christopher M. Ault at The Ault Firm is available to help protect your money or get you the compensation you deserve. He is an expert in all divorce law including alimony. Contact him at 801-539-9000 for a consultation or fill out this form.
