Starting a new life can be extremely expensive, which can make leaving an unhappy marriage seem impossible, especially if you haven’t worked in a few years. In addition to putting a deposit on a new place to live, you’ll have to set up your utilities and might even need job training before you can start a career. Fortunately, a divorce attorney might be able to help you get alimony, giving you the resources to begin rebuilding your life.

What Is Alimony?

Depending on the situation, the court may order one spouse to pay another alimony—or spousal maintenance, as it's known in Kentucky. If the marriage was long and the lower-earning spouse doesn’t have the skills to support themselves, the court might order the other to pay alimony on a long-term or permanent basis. In other cases, the divorce decree may include alimony payments for a limited period, giving the recipient the opportunity to complete an educational or job training program.

How Can a Divorce Attorney Help?

Unlike child support, alimony is not automatically included in the divorce settlement. Courts also have considerable discretion when deciding whether to order alimony, how much you’ll receive, and the duration of the payments. A skilled divorce attorney will explain the law, help you set realistic expectations, and argue your case in court. Based on their experience, they know what evidence the judge will find most compelling and how to frame your argument to maximize your chances of success.

As one of the area’s leading family law firms, Lonneman & McMahan, PLLC offers effective legal counsel to clients throughout Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Nelson, and Grayson counties in Kentucky. If your marriage is ending, their divorce attorneys will strive to ensure you have the resources to start your life over again. Visit their website to learn more about their legal services and practice areas, follow their Twitter page for legal tips and updates, or call (270) 765-2190 to schedule a free consultation with a divorce attorney today.