If one person in a marriage earns significantly more than the other partner, the courts will generally award alimony to the lower earning partner, based on the difference in earnings between both partners in the marriage. Spousal support or maintenance payments may be awarded in cases where people have been married for several years. If you have questions about alimony, consider speaking to the Zachary Law Group, a spousal support lawyer in Gilbert, Arizona. Our firm can review your situation, look at you and your ex’s finances, and determine the spousal award you may be entitled to receive.
When will alimony payments not be ordered? In general, alimony will not be ordered if you and your ex were only married a short period of time or if you and your ex earn similar incomes. There may be other situations where alimony might not be awarded.
Alimony is designed to provide support for a partner who may have given up work or learning opportunities to raise children or to support a partner in his or her career. Alimony may also be used to help a partner who may have stayed home to raise the children. This money can supplement child support and the stay at home parent’s income while this parent is raising the children and unable to join the workforce. Alimony can also pay for childcare, allowing the non-working partner to join the workforce after a divorce.
When courts award spousal support, generally a judge will set a date on which alimony payments must end. Alimony usually ends either when a former spouse gets remarried, or when the children leave home. Alimony may also end after a specified period of time—usually after a person has had some time to gain employment skills.
If you have questions about spousal support, the Zachary Law Group in Gilbert, Arizona may be able to assist you. Our firm can review your situation and help you understand what you may be entitled to receive under the law. If you expect to pay or receive alimony, it may be in your best interest to make a decision about alimony outside of court. Of course, in some cases, alimony decisions must be made through trial. The Zachary Law Group are spousal support lawyers in Gilbert, Arizona who may be able to help you with your alimony questions and concerns.
How Spousal Support Awards are Determined in Arizona
In order to receive alimony in Arizona, the courts must make two important determinations. First, the courts must determine whether one spouse is entitled to receive alimony. Secondly, if the spouse qualifies for alimony, the courts must determine how long the alimony must be paid and how much must be paid. What are the factors that are considered when determining whether a person qualifies for alimony in Arizona? You may be entitled to receive alimony if you don’t have property or money to cover your basic expenses and needs, are unable to earn enough money through employment to support your standard of living, or are a caretaker for a child and caretaking duties prevent you from working. You may be entitled to alimony if you contributed to your partner’s education or if you were married for a long time and are old enough that the court determines you are unable to seek employment or training to be self-sufficient.
If you meet the qualification standards for alimony, the court will then need to determine the amount of money you should receive and how long alimony should be paid. Several factors will be considered when making this determination. The court will consider your standard of living while you were married, how long you were married, your age, employment history, earning ability, and your physical and emotional state when the marriage ends. The court may also consider your ex’s ability to pay, and consider whether your assets and your spouse’s assets are widely divergent. The courts may also consider whether you reduced your income or earning potential to support your spouse or to care for children. If you are younger, the courts may consider how long it might take for you to gain the educational skills you’ll need to meet your own needs. There are other considerations that the court will take into account. The court will look at money spent during the marriage, the cost of your health insurance if you must now pay for your own health care, and any damages your spouse may have caused you—either to you physically or to your property.
Unlike child support awards, there is no specific formula the court can use when determining child support. A spousal support lawyer can verify the difference between your income and your ex’s income and multiply this by a percentage of the years you were married to determine a rough estimate of the alimony you may be entitled to receive. If you believe you may be entitled to receive spousal support, reach out to the Zachary Law Group, a spousal support lawyer in Gilbert, Arizona. Our firm can help you calculate the spousal support award you may be entitled to receive and can help you fight for a fair support amount either inside or outside of court.
Plan for Your Future: Contact a Spousal Support Lawyer in Gilbert, Arizona Today
Knowing what you are entitled to receive in spousal support can make an immense difference in your peace of mind and to your financial planning. Divorce can raise many questions when it comes to paying for your home, paying for health care, and maintaining your standard of living. If you supported your partner in his or her career or stayed home to raise the children, you may be entitled to receive spousal support or alimony. Spousal support can also help you pay for schooling or education to join the workforce after your marriage ends. The Zachary Law Group are spousal support attorneys in Gilbert, Arizona. Contact us today to learn more about your rights.
