Most people have a variety of concerns about divorce. It is a huge event that can prompt many changes in your life. For example, if your spouse earns more than you, or you opted to raise your family instead of pursuing a career, you may be worried about what your financial situation will look like after your divorce.
Fortunately, there is a solution for people in these types of situations, but it can be a bit confusing.
What is spousal support?
Spousal support is designed to help people in these situations. When a couple gets divorced, the court may award you alimony or spousal support based on an agreement between you and your spouse or a decision from the court itself.
Alimony or spousal support is “[supposed] to limit any unfair economic effects of divorce by providing a continuing income to a non-wage-earning or lower-wage-earning spouse.” It can also be awarded to help a spouse continue to live in a similar manner, at the same standard of living despite any adjustments in their income or taxes due to the divorce. So, if you are the lower-earning or non-earning spouse and are worried about paying your bills after divorce, you may qualify for spousal support.
However, these decisions are made case-by-case and it can be difficult to figure out during the divorce process.
How is it determined?
The amount of alimony or spousal support you are awarded is usually determined based on a variety of factors involving your life. These can include your age and physical and emotional state as well as the standard of living during your marriage and the length of time you would need support in order to become self-sufficient after training or education.
Due to this, it can be hard to predict how much alimony you may receive. Additionally, alimony is designed to be “rehabilitative,” or in other words, temporary.
You may want to consult with your divorce attorney in order to get more information about your situation. An experienced professional can help you figure out spousal support and give you a better idea about it.