A divorce can be a financially scary event in the life of an Alabama resident. If they do not have a job and have not worked during their marriage, they may worry about how they will support themselves after the relationship is over. In situations where a person is financially disadvantaged by their divorce, they may be able to seek alimony or spousal support from their ex.
Spousal support is the payment of money from one party to a divorce to the other during and after their divorce proceedings. In Alabama, spousal support can be periodic or rehabilitative. This post will discuss these two forms of support and what factors go into considerations regarding the awards of spousal support. No part of this post should be read as legal advice and all questions about spousal support should be directed to knowledgeable family law attorneys.
When is spousal support awarded?
Spousal support may be awarded if a person cannot live at the same standard they experienced during their marriage after their divorce is over. In determining if a person should receive spousal support, a court may look at their individual financial resources, their ability to earn an income, and whether they are ready to enter the job market. If a person may be able to attain the skills and education, they need to find a job to support themselves, they may receive rehabilitative spousal support to help them achieve that goal.
Periodic spousal support is paid in regular intervals. It may last longer than rehabilitative alimony, particularly if a person does not have the capability of getting a job to support their own needs. Spousal support can end when the recipient or the paying spouse dies, or upon the termination of the spousal support award.
Do all divorces have spousal support awards?
Readers should understand that although not all divorces will involve spousal support. When two individuals can support their own needs after their divorce, spousal support is unnecessary. Whether spousal support is awarded will depend on factors related to the individual divorcing parties. When an individual has questions about spousal support, they can benefit from seeking the counsel of a knowledgeable family law attorney in their community.