When you are going through a divorce, you have many details that you need to figure out with your spouse and attorney. In the best case scenario, the divorce is ending amicably and you and your spouse will be able to agree on what works best for both of you. However, you should always be prepared to face the reality that the divorce may not go so smoothly. When this happens, alimony payments can become complicated and they can even become a point of resentment. When you are facing the reality of alimony payments—whether you are the spouse paying alimony or the spouse receiving alimony—you want to ensure you have a family law attorney on your side who can help you come up with the best plan of action and representation in court. For more information on alimony after a divorce and how you can best prepare, please reach out to a lawyer, like a divorce lawyer from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols, today.
What happens when you pay alimony?
Typically, there are a few things you can count on when a judge orders you to pay alimony to your spouse. If you are wondering what circumstances may cause alimony to end, some of these are:
- Your judge has determined a certain date when the alimony payments will end.
- You or your spouse pass away.
- Your spouse remarries to someone else after your divorce.
- In some states, you do not have to keep paying if your spouse cohabitates with someone else.
- Your spouse is no longer needed at home as a full-time parent.
- Your spouse has not attempted different ways to become more self-sufficient (applying for jobs, getting certifications or training).
In other cases, it is even possible for a judge to modify the amount that you pay in alimony. For example, if you retire or lose your job, your amount may be modified. Additionally, if your spouse can make more money but instead chooses to have a job that makes less money than what they are capable of, a judge may restrict the alimony or reduce it.
What should I do if I plan to be on the receiving end of alimony?
If you hope to receive alimony after your divorce is finalized, you should mention this to your lawyer as soon as possible. When you hope to receive alimony, a lawyer can gather evidence to show that you need these payments — either due to a lack of job, being a full-time caregiver, or because you were used to a specific type of lifestyle. Additionally, in some cases, a judge may require you to go back to full-time work if you can do so if you are not currently holding a job or if you are only holding a part-time job.
If you are getting a divorce with your spouse and are on the supporting or receiving end of alimony, you likely have many questions. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to see how he or she can help you with your alimony case during your divorce.