When a divorce is imminent, and a couple decides to split and file to dissolve their marriage through divorce, they should contact an attorney to understand spousal support or palimony.
Alimony
Spousal support, also referred to as alimony, is a court-order amount of money due from one divorcing spouse to the other. The alimony can be received immediately through a pendente lite order, allowing the receiving spouse to obtain alimony payments as soon as the divorce proceedings begin. Alimony can help ex-partners maintain the standard of living they were accustomed to during the marriage.
Maintaining a Standard of Living
Alimony helps a spouse maintain their standards of living that they may have been accustomed to during their marriage. If you were ordered to pay alimony, it is generally because you were the primary source of income for your spouse and your spouse may have sacrificed work or other endeavors in order to maintain home or raise children.
A judge determined the amount of alimony based on income, length of marriage the grounds on which the divorce was filed. Victims of domestic violence are also eligible to receive higher amounts of alimony because of emotional or physical stress.
If you have questions concerning your spousal support payments or eligibility, please contact us at McKean Family Law.
