The divorce process can result in many complicated and emotional issues. Spousal support, also referred to as alimony, can be one of the challenging divorce-related issues divorcing couples may face. For recipient spouses, spousal support may be viewed as an important necessity. For paying spouses, spousal support may be viewed as a significant challenge.
If spousal support is awarded, there are a number of details that must be resolved including the amount of spousal support to be paid, how frequent the spousal support payments will be paid and how long the spousal support payments will be made. A number of factors are considered when evaluating requests for spousal support such as the length or duration of the marriage; the age and health of the spouses; the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage; and the earning capacity of both of the spouses.
In addition, different types of spousal support may be awarded. Types of spousal support that may be awarded can include permanent spousal support, temporary spousal support or rehabilitative spousal support. Rehabilitative spousal support refers to spousal support assigned for a period of time to allow both spouses to obtain the skills necessary to become gainfully employed and achieve the goal of becoming self-supporting.
The family law process is designed to help divorcing couples resolve disputes, including those related to spousal support. The more divorcing couples understand about how the process works, the better they will be able to evaluate requests and arrive at outcomes both parties can live with.
