Local Law Firms Home > Divorce Family Law Overview > Spousal Support Spousal support or alimony is a payment ordered by a court from one spouse to the other as part of the divorce proceedings. There are many aspects about spousal payments that both spouses and their lawyers will want in their favor. It begins with a temporary spousal support order while the divorce proceedings are in progress. After that, everything from the amount and duration of the payments to enforcement may be aggressively contested. Are you involved in a spousal support dispute or do you have questions that need answers? Our lawyers are here to guide you! Contact a divorce attorney near you as soon as possible for more information about obtaining legal representation in your divorce. The major aspects of spousal support payments that a divorce attorney may have to contest are listed below:
In the absence of a pre-nuptial agreement or other valid reason, courts will often grant support. The argument therefore boils down to the amount and duration. Both depend on the current earnings of the spouse getting the support, the lifestyle the couple maintained and the net worth and earnings of the spouse who will be making the support payments. The support payments can be modified, which requires both parties to go to court again. This can happen if there are changes like health problems or retirement. If the spouse making the payments is behind on the payments or not paying at all, he or she can be taken to court and forced to pay just like any other debtor. Would you like more information regarding spousal support? Our lawyers are here to help and to answer any questions you may have. Contact a divorce law attorney in your area today to learn more about obtaining legal representation in your divorce. Did you know? A spouse unwilling to pay court mandated spousal support can be jailed. An unwilling or bankrupt spouse who cannot or will not meet spousal support payments can be jailed. A court judgment can be obtained to seize assets, garnish wages and use all the methods that traditional creditors use to extract payments from delinquent debtors. |