Divorce is often expensive in and of itself. You will need to find a new place to live, hire a lawyer and take time attending to the demands of the situation. Expense will be a particularly concerning topic for any spouse whose ex supported him or her. For this individual, a separation could spell personal and financial instability. These are situations in which alimony might be the right solution.
According to Forbes, there are 400,000 people receiving spousal support in the United States. There are several criteria that could make it an option for you. The following three are some of the most common reasons justifying alimony after a divorce.
1. You did not work during your marriage
It is not uncommon for one spouse to quit working if the other is able to support the whole household. Perhaps you did not work before the marriage, either. If you were unemployed throughout the marriage’s duration — whether to start a family or pursue other endeavors — it is likely reasonable that your ex provides support until you can support yourself.
2. Your health limits your ability to earn income
Another common reason for alimony is one spouse’s limited ability to work due to health-related issues. If you are physically or mentally impaired by a condition that makes earning sufficient income difficult, your ex may need to provide support while you seek treatment or an alternative means of supporting yourself.
3. You helped build your spouse’s career
Marriage is a team effort, but sometimes one spouse sacrifices his or her own interests for the sake of his or her partner’s. This is often true in a professional capacity when one partner dedicates herself or himself to building the career of the other. If this sounds like your situation, you may be entitled to alimony for the support you provided and the impact it undoubtedly had on your own career prospects.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed