When a couple gets a divorce, there is a chance that one or the other of them will request support, such as spousal support. Overall, spousal support is a temporary measure that allows for the receiving spouse to get training, schooling or even to get a job so that he or she can become self-supporting. Of course, there is no automatic or magic word that can be said that will make this type of support happen. It takes an experienced law office, such as the [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], careful documentation and good communication.
If your marriage was short-lived or you are both pretty much equal in your earning capacity, there may be no recourse to receive this type of support in a divorce situation. On the other hand, if you were a stay-at-home partner to your spouse, you may not have funding to move out of the home you both made, and if you are going to stay in that home, you may have no way to make the mortgage payment.
Because you made sacrifices to enable your spouse to continue on a path to success in his or her career, you have a right to receive a certain and set amount of spousal support until you can get back on your feet and earning a paycheck.
We can help. We use the federal government’s Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines as a starting point for discussion. We listen to what you have to say and guide you according to this advisory. It can help us determine how much you can receive and for how long a time you are permitted to have this support coming in.
Some non-traditional support amounts are not included in the advisory guide and those are things such as non-traditional income and self-employment; long-term relationships of 20 years or more; and hidden income and assets that are kept from view.
Having a good strong understanding of how the advisory and laws work on your behalf can make a big difference in the outcome of your divorce. Asking questions of a knowledgeable lawyer can also help.