Why Alimony or Spousal Support Is Awarded

1. Why Alimony or Spousal Support Is Awarded Alimony or spousal support is one of the hottest topics considered in the advent of a divorce. In that case, it is important to be familiar with the proceedings of divorce should in case you ever file a divorce case. There are several rules that govern the process. Truly, your attorney will highlight the necessary details of the proceedings. Nonetheless, it is important to have background knowledge about the subject matter. It is a fallacy that alimony or spousal support is a penalty meted by the court. Rather than a penalty, alimony or spousal support ensures that an individual who lacks the means to sustain themselves in a case of divorce are able to enjoy a continued standard of living. Do not confuse spousal support with child support. Both cases are totally different contexts. After a divorce, a payment is made to the custodial parent of the child to meet the needs and requirements necessary to support the child. This is called child support. But spousal support is issued to a lower-earning spouse should in case there is a huge discrepancy in the income level between both parties. The reason for spousal support is to enable the lower-earning partner to meet up their wants and needs in order to reach a certain potential. Examples are training, schooling, and more. Spousal support is not warranted by proxy, the judge determines this. After examining several factors, alimony or spousal supported is then awarded to the necessary party. A few factors that are considered include: The duration of marriage The standard of living during the course of the marriage Both partners’ earning and income potential Health and age of concerned partners Sacrifices made to sustain the marriage The needs and ability of each person to pay These factors are cross-examined in several steps. After weighing the pros and cons of the factors, the judge then decides on the type of spousal support to award the concerned person. Depending on the ruling of the judge, there can be temporary payments, lump sum payments, or permanent payments that are awarded. Generally, alimony or spousal support is an award that is temporary. During the period that the award becomes effective the concerned spouse is expected to receive some training that will help them to boost their earning potential. Afterward, they are required to support themselves without spousal support.

2. Years ago, alimony or spousal support is usually awarded to the woman because it is believed that the woman is responsible for the care of the home and that of the children. Nowadays, things have changed. Both the man and the woman are eligible to alimony depending on the arrangement of living made during the marriage. For example, the stay-at-home man who cares for the home while the wife works or pursues a degree is entitled to alimony. This woman may be ordered to pay alimony in any case of divorce. This proves that the judge is the one who decides on the party that receives alimony. Articles Source : http://hudlegal.com/why-alimony-or-spousal-support-is-awarded/