If you are going through a divorce and are seeking spousal support, you may need an attorney specializing in family law. He or she can help guide you every step of the way and will be practiced and knowledgeable in the legal proceedings necessary to securing spousal support, also known as alimony. If you are seeking alimony, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a family law attorney. Whether you are in the middle of a divorce or are just starting the process, contact a lawyer, like a family lawyer from The Law Office of Jason Wright, so he or she can work diligently on a fair spousal support request.

What type of support or alimony are you seeking? It is important to note that each state has its own criteria for awarding alimony. The following information provides general guidelines to the consideration of and terms associated with spousal support. Your family law attorney can give you accurate information based on your situation and the requirements of the state your case is being handled in.

• Permanent alimony- The agreed upon amount will be paid until the recipient marries or in the event of death of the person paying the alimony.
• Temporary alimony- This alimony is exactly as it sounds; the recipient will be paid alimony for a determined period of time. The need for temporary alimony is usually the result of the expense of divorce cost and the individual’s changing financial status as a result of the divorce. The payments are provided until the recipient can bounce back from the temporary financial circumstance.
• Rehabilitative alimony- This type of alimony is most often relevant to the spouse who was a stay at home parent and has not worked for a significant period of time. If training — such as going back to school — is desired, then this spousal support is in place to pay for the training or schooling.

What can you do to prepare for your spousal support request?

There are several things you can do to prepare for your spousal support request. Here are a few things you need to do:

• Communicate with your spouse regarding the alimony process and attempt to agree on an amicable solution.
• Gather all information that is related to your expenses. Anything that shows your lifestyle while married will be helpful, i.e., credit card charges, bank statements, and receipts from cash purchases.
• Information related to debt during marriage and any debt that will continue after the divorce.
• Collect any tax returns, W-2 forms, and pay stubs if applicable.

Depending on state laws and the grounds for divorce, spousal support can be difficult to obtain. The paperwork can feel overwhelming and the entire process is emotionally exhausting. It is imperative to have an attorney who understands the laws in your state and can empathize with your situation. A good lawyer will support his or her clients through the legal process of family law cases, and through the emotional turmoil that is a natural consequence of the divorce process.