Divorce Attorney

In the wake of divorce, the financial strain that couples stand to face can be devastating. There are a number of reasons that this can occur. For households where each person draws an income, the shift to a one income household can be challenging. For someone who did not work, or stayed home to care for children, the prospect of divorce can be terrifying. This is especially due to the fact that some may have forgone the pursuit of their education, or been out of the workforce for a significant period of time. As a result, you may consider spousal support (also known as alimony) as a way of helping you to get back on your feet again. It’s important to know that you may have a right to this form of support, especially when going through a divorce. Whether you are considering temporary spousal support or something more permanent, you will surely have a number of questions for a prospective alimony lawyer:

How long does the divorce process take?

The time it may take to finalize a divorce can vary. There are a number of factors that come into play when determining your timeframe. Variables to consider will include the particular state that you live in, the waiting period, and the length of time it may take to reach agreements regarding the divorce. While some contentious divorces may take years to resolve, on average, most take about a year to finalize. 

What is alimony or spousal support?

This type of support is often referred to in two different ways — alimony and spousal support are often used interchangeably. Upon separation or divorce, a person may require financial support in order to maintain their standard of living or at least making ends meet. Alimony is meant to assist the spouse who earns very little or no income at all with a level playing field. Depending upon the situation, alimony or spousal support can be paid out in a few different ways. In some situations, spousal support may be temporary, only paid out until the other party obtains employment or more financial stability. However, it’s important to be aware that some situations may call for more permanent support. 

How can I qualify for spousal support?

Most situations may leave at least one person wondering whether they have the ability to pursue spousal support with the help of their lawyer. Because of this, it may make sense to speak with your lawyer regarding whether or not you qualify for spousal support. When determining whether this is the right way to move forward, it’s best to speak with a lawyer. However, it’s important to know that the final decision ultimately lies with the courts. A number of factors will be taken into consideration, including:

• The age of each party
• The length of the marriage
• Whether either party has health concerns
• The standard of living each party was accustomed to during the marriage
• Whether the earning spouse earns an income that can support both parties
• Contributions (both economic and non economic) that have been made by each party

Divorce can be incredibly stressful. When facing divorce, you may experience a rollercoaster of emotions that can range from anger, sadness, anxiety, and even depression. When experiencing a world of financial unknowns, a lawyer can help you to pursue the process of temporary spousal support by filing a request with the court. For more information and to get the help you deserve, contact a lawyer, like a divorce lawyer from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols, today.