Divorces are intrinsically complex and often involve many disputes. If you want to file for divorce in Birmingham, you should consider discussing things with your spouse to finalize the process at the earliest. An uncontested divorce in Alabama can be completed within weeks. However, issues like child custody, child support, parenting schedules, distribution of marital properties, and alimony may cause a rift with your spouse. If you want alimony, you should consider consulting a Birmingham divorce attorney to understand the legal options. In this post, let’s talk about alimony in detail.
What is alimony?
Alimony refers to financial support paid by one spouse to another in a divorce. It can be a one-time amount or a periodic pay. Periodic maintenance is usually paid once every month. If you are wondering whether you can get alimony, it largely depends on your financial situation. If you have been married for a long time and are dependent on your spouse, you are more likely to get alimony.
Factors that matter
There are several factors that the court will consider before granting alimony. From the length of the marriage to the health and age of both spouses and the ability of the spouse (the one seeking maintenance) to support themselves, all things will be evaluated. The income of both parties and the standard of living of the spouses during the marriage are other pointers. The court will want to ensure that both spouses are able to have the standard of living they had during the marriage. Each marriage is unique, and so is each divorce; therefore, there are variables in all cases. If one spouse has a disability or cannot work due to the lack of education or an illness, the judge will take that into account.
How is alimony decided?
Unless you and your spouse decide on the amount amicably, the court has the discretion to take a call, and there is no fixed formula for that. Alimony is also granted for a limited time, depending on how long it takes for the spouse seeking maintenance to become self-supporting. Also, if you decide to get married, you cannot ask for alimony from your ex-spouse.
Call a lawyer
It would help if you had an attorney to help you decide how to proceed with your case. Divorces can be highly stressful, and if you are seeking alimony, you need to be smart with your approach. Let an attorney negotiate things for you, especially if your spouse intends to make things complicated.
