Getting divorced comes with difficulties and complications that can seem like impossible hurdles. You will have to face child custody issues and property division. You will also have to make decisions about how you will earn an income to support yourself and your children. Child support will help, but it may not be enough to fully maintain your accustomed stand of living. You have not had a job since your first child was born, so it may take some time before you are able to find employment. What will you do until you have an acceptable level of income?
Depending on your specific circumstances, you might be entitled to alimony as part of your divorce settlement. If you are considering divorce, it is important to understand all of your rights and options before you step into a courtroom or sit down at the negotiating table. An experienced family law attorney in the Centennial area can help you take the necessary steps to protect your interests during the divorce process.
Alimony
Alimony exists to even the playing field. The court recognizes that when the higher earning or sole earning spouse leaves the marriage, it often creates a financial burden for the other individual. In cases such as yours, where one spouse gives up a career to focus on the home and family, the court will often grant alimony to give you time to gain the skills you need to support yourself.
Calculating the amount
In order to determine the amount of alimony you should receive, the court will examine various factors. For example, the court will consider the length of your marriage, your standard of living, and even your and your husband's physical and emotional health. In addition, the court will look at your husband's ability to provide for himself while paying alimony.
Court orders
While violations of child support orders come with very serious consequences, the court does not enforce alimony orders with the same ferocity. Usually, if a spouse does not make alimony payments, the recipient can report the lack of payments to the court and the court, in turn, can take the same actions it would to force any other court order.
Effective time period
In general, you might receive alimony until you are able to support yourself or if you remarry. Usually, spousal support awards do not have a termination date and might continue until the court issues an order ending the support. If your ex-spouse passes away while you are still receiving alimony payments, you might be entitled to payments from his estate.
If you are considering divorce and you are worried about your financial situation after the papers are filed, alimony might be an option for you. An experienced divorce attorney in the Centennial area can help you through the divorce and protect your interests. Contact a lawyer today for advice on your divorce.