(801) 254-9450 During divorce proceedings, a court reviews each party’s finances to determine whether they can support themselves moving forward. In some cases, a judge may order one spouse to pay alimony to the other after the divorce concludes. Also known as spousal support or maintenance, this obligation may be temporary, although some people are entitled to continued support for the rest of their lives.
It is natural to have questions about the South Jordan spousal support payment process, especially if your divorce case is likely to result in an order. At Carr | Woodall, our experienced spousal support lawyers could help you understand every aspect of this process.
Typically, the judge overseeing your divorce case will evaluate several key factors to determine whether support is appropriate. This typically begins with assessing the length of the marriage, while also considering each spouse’s financial position and future earning capacity.
If one party cannot meet their basic needs and the other is able to pay, a court is likely to award spousal support, at least temporarily. In some cases, the parties may agree on alimony terms and include them in their divorce settlement, which a court can then approve and enforce.
In South Jordan, the court also controls the spousal support payment procedure after an award is ordered, and could step in if payments are not being made. Our attorneys could work with you to achieve a fair result with a payment schedule that takes your needs into account.
In South Jordan, the type of alimony will largely determine the duration of the payment process. Temporary spousal maintenance only lasts until the end of the divorce case, while permanent alimony may continue for the rest of a person’s life. In the middle is rehabilitative alimony, which can last as long as a former spouse needs to secure their education and become self-sufficient.
The court will often order monthly payments, usually on the first day of each month. However, a judge can modify this arrangement depending on the circumstances.
Alimony payments in South Jordan can be made through various methods, depending on what the court orders or what you and your ex-spouse agree upon. In many cases, the paying spouse transfers funds directly to the receiving spouse. However, courts often require income withholding orders, where payments are deducted directly from the paying spouse’s wages by their employer. This method is especially common when the relationship between the parties has deteriorated, making it best to avoid direct communication and potential disputes.
Some couples may choose to route payments through Utah’s Office of Recovery Services, which tracks and processes alimony in the same way it does child support. The courts also use this process to recover delinquent alimony. Regardless of the method, it is critical to follow the court-approved arrangement to avoid enforcement actions.
Understanding the South Jordan spousal support payment process is crucial, whether you have been ordered to make payments or are entitled to receive them. Contact the divorce attorneys at Carr | Woodall today for help navigating this system.