Following a divorce, courts often order one spouse to pay alimony. Unlike child custody and support payments, alimony is strictly on a spouse-to-spouse basis. The legal team at Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. in Lake St. Louis, MO, advise that it’s important to understand how alimony works, as it can be an unnecessary burden, and one your divorce attorney may be able to change.

A Quick Guide to Understanding Alimony

How Does Alimony Work?

The primary purpose of alimony is to allow the recipient to maintain the same quality of life as before the divorce, and it applies to a partner who was financially dependent on their spouse. Alimony can be distributed as a payment plan or as a single sum. As far as taxes go, it’s considered taxable income, and the receiving party is required to report it on their income tax. On the other hand, the provider of alimony payments can write them off as tax deductions. 

How Do Judges Determine Alimony Payments?

The length of the payments can be based on how long the judge feels the spouse will need to find a job, remarry, or better support him or herself. Further, a divorce attorney will take the paying spouse’s income into account, as well as the receiving spouse’s needs. Typically, alimony payments are only meant to cover the necessities, as the receiving spouse is expected to find a new source of regular income.

If you’re seeking alimony or feel you shouldn’t be paying, a divorce attorney at Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. can help. They offer comprehensive family law services and will help attain the best possible outcome. Call (636) 561-5599 today to schedule a consultation, and visit their website and Facebook page to learn more about their practice.