How to Determine if You Will Be Awarded Alimony or Have to Pay It
A divorce is stressful no matter what the circumstances are, but it’s true that there’s an added layer of stress if the dissolution of the union is going to severely reduce the quality of your life here in West Virginia. Thankfully, there are systems in place that make the transition from married life to single life a little bit easier. Spousal support, or alimony, is there to ensure that the terms of the divorce are equal. If required, one of the parties will provide financial support for the other. The amount is calculated after various aspects have been factored in.
Separation Agreements
A marriage is supposed to mean that two individuals become a team, which often leads to a separation of responsibilities. For example, one person might agree to look after the home and raise the children, while the other may go to work. After a divorce, the working person might continue with their well-paying job, while the person who stayed at home will be left with no income. Because this was one of the arrangements of the marriage, the person with the salary would have to pay a portion of their income, often referred to as alimony payments, to the other party. The greater the income difference, the more chance there is of obtaining alimony.
Living Arrangements
You’ll also have an increased chance of getting spousal support if you can demonstrate that your living arrangements will be significantly worse if you don’t have the financial support of your ex-spouse. With the help of a divorce lawyer in West Virginia, you’ll argue that the non-payment of alimony will lead to a reduction in the overall quality of life. If you have children, you are also going to need to think about child custody and child support.
Looking for Work
Of course, it’s easy to say that that a person who is divorced should get a job, but the reality is that the circumstances are usually much more complex than that. For example, a spousal support lawyer in West Virginia may argue that since the person has to continue looking after the children, or, for whatever reason, is unable to work, then they deserve to receive money from the other party. There’s also the fact that the spouse may not have the education or training needed to obtain a job, so there are costs going into that as well. There are many reasons why a person may be unable to work; so long as you’re able to put forward a convincing case, you’ll have a shot of receiving payments.
Financial Security After Divorce
It’s important to note that even with the above factors considered, alimony may still not be awarded. For example, you may find another partner who funds your lifestyle. In some cases, the other party may argue such circumstances, even without proof. That’s why it’s important to work with a Charleston divorce lawyer — they’ll help to fight your corner, especially when you’re getting attacked.
Are You the One Paying Alimony?
If you’re told to pay alimony, then you need to pay it. However, there are times when the deal of the arrangement may be changed, such as if you lose your job or face a reduction in salary. If you are on the opposite end of the spousal support argument, a divorce attorney that has experience litigating spousal support may be able to assist you.
Regardless of which side of the situation that you are in, Pritt & Pritt can help you determine what and how much is needed. Contact us today.
