(801) 254-9450 Spousal support—commonly known as alimony or spousal maintenance—is a type of financial payment made from one former spouse to another. It is a common misconception that judges order spousal support or alimony in every divorce case. At Carr | Woodall, the goal of our Heber City spousal support lawyers is to ensure you are treated fairly when this decision is made. Talk to our compassionate family attorneys to learn more about whether you deserve or owe alimony in your divorce.
Courts do not award spousal maintenance in divorce cases as a reward or a punishment. These financial payments are required in cases where, without them, one spouse would be unable to maintain a stable quality of life after the marriage ends. This ensures the receiving spouse is not penalized for their contributions to managing a household or raising a family while the paying spouse was the primary earner.
There are different types of spousal maintenance under the law. The court may award temporary alimony to spouses while a divorce is progressing through the court system. This is designed to ensure a minimum standard of living in cases where the divorce settlement takes more time to negotiate.
Rehabilitative spousal maintenance ensures a spouse is self-sufficient after divorce. It only lasts long enough for that person to get an education or job training to help them start or progress a career that supports them. Alternatively, reimbursement support pays back a spouse who provided financial support to the other party in the marriage.
While most types of support are temporary, there are times when a judge might make a permanent award. This is typically used for long-term marriages when a spouse may no longer have the means to be financially independent. A Heber City spousal support attorney could answer any of your questions on which type of alimony might be appropriate in your case.
There is no automatic formula when it comes to calculating and awarding spousal support. Instead, the court may consider many factors before determining what is fair, with the length of the marriage being one of the most crucial. Spouses who have been married longer are more likely to be awarded support. A judge’s considerations may also include the following:
Our Heber City lawyers could help you make the case for or against spousal maintenance based on these and other factors unique to your situation.
With the help of a skilled attorney, you may request a modification to your spousal support order, but the Heber City courts do not grant changes on a whim. For a judge to consider your request, there must be a material change in circumstances for either former spouse. You could be entitled to modification if your ex-spouse has remarried and no longer requires financial support. Alternatively, you may be considered for additional support if you have become ill or lost your job.
If you are facing divorce, spousal maintenance may be a point of contention. Whether you are seeking support or your spouse is, you deserve the support of attorneys who advocate on your behalf. At Carr | Woodall, we are experienced with handling divorce-related financial issues. Reach out to a Heber City spousal support lawyer today to learn more.