When getting divorced, newly single spouses must figure out how to make a sufficient income on their own. The family law courts created alimony payments to help individuals who were dependent on their spouses for financial support. If you are thinking of requesting this aid, here are the answers to a few questions about the process.

Commonly Asked Questions About Alimony

What are the qualifications?

The court can grant either spouse alimony support during a divorce. To qualify, the spouse requesting support must have proof of his or her financial need and the other spouse must have enough to help and still take care of themselves.

How is the fiscal amount determined?

Spousal support is not as cut and dry as child support. There are broader guidelines and the amount can fluctuate dramatically between divorce cases.

The courts consider how long the couple has been married, what their standard of living was like, how long it will take for the spouse in need to attain a self-sufficient income, how old and in what condition the spouse in need is, and how freely the paying spouse can help while still supporting themselves.

How long does alimony last?

The court will also evaluate the above considerations to determine the amount of time a person will receive spousal support. It is intended only as temporary support to help individuals on their way back to self-sufficiency. Recipients will most likely receive monthly payments but can request a paid-in-full amount as well. The support will also end if the spouse in need remarries.

Family law courts only reward permanent spousal support to those who cannot become self-supporting. For example, if the spouse in need cannot work due to age or disability, the court can reserve this permanent support option. This usually only happens in long-term marriages, where one spouse has spent many years away from the workplace, perhaps giving up his or her career to raise a family.

Is alimony taxed?

The relatively new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act no longer allows the paying spouse to deduct alimony from their taxes. Also, the receiving spouse no longer has to pay the taxes on alimony or include it in their income. This applies to couples who divorced in or after 2019.

When dealing with a divorce, let the family law attorneys at The Law Offices of Bromm, Lindahl, Freeman-Caddy & Lausterer guide you through the process of seeking spousal support. Since 1893, this AV-rated legal team has provided personal attention and sound legal advice to separating couples throughout Wahoo and eastern Nebraska. Visit their website for more on their family law services. Call (402) 443-3225 to schedule a consultation.