Divorce can place a significant financial burden on all involved parties. In addition to paying filing fees and court costs, couples typically have to split their assets and adjust to life with only one income. To alleviate some of this hardship, many spouses are awarded alimony. If you have decided to end your marriage, it’s important to understand what alimony is and how likely you are to receive it. As one of the top divorce attorneys in Daleville, AL, Donna C. Crooks Attorney At Law has guided numerous clients through the complex issues involved with terminating a union. Below, she offers a brief overview of what you need to know about alimony.

What Is Alimony?

Alimony, also referred to as spousal support, is financial assistance one spouse may be obligated to pay the other once they’ve decided to become legally separated or divorced. This is typically a court-ordered judgment intended to limit the negative economic effects a divorce may have on the lower-earning spouse. Alimony is meant to help individuals maintain the same lifestyle they enjoyed during marriage. In some cases, the recipient will only get payments until they work their way up to self-sufficiency.

What Factors Are Used to Determine Alimony?

The court takes a variety of factors into account when determining if alimony should be awarded, and if so, how much the payments should be. In Alabama, support payments are only ordered when one spouse reveals a need for assistance and the other spouse exhibits the ability to pay. When making their decision, a judge will consider the length of the marriage, the ages and health of both parties, the value of marital assets, each party’s capability of obtaining income, and the standard of living during marriage. A divorce attorney may build a compelling argument that convinces the judge alimony is warranted. 

Alimony can be one of the most contentious matters in a divorce. That’s why it’s best to enlist the assistance of a divorce attorney like Donna C. Crooks Attorney At Law who will fight to protect your best interests. She can build a strong case as to why you should receive support payments. Contact her office at (334) 598-9534, or visit her online for more information.