Spousal support is a common legal dispute among divorced couples, which is why we want to take the time to answer some of the questions we are commonly asked about this particular subject.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony is sometimes called spousal support and is a separate award from child support. Alimony is intended to go towards the needs of your ex-spouse, not your children. Courts order alimony to keep the economic status of both partners at the same level it was before the divorce.
How Is Alimony Determined?
The following factors are used by courts to determine alimony awards:
- The established standard of living for both parties during their marriage
- The specific circumstances that led to the couple’s divorce
- The physical and mental health of each partner
- Whether the receiving partner has the ability to support themselves
- The needs of the spouse requesting alimony
- Any other agreements made between the parties on the subject
How Long Do I Have to Pay Alimony For?
How long you have to pay alimony will depend on the specific details of your case. In general, the spouse who receives alimony is expected to become self-sufficient at some point. However, there are cases where spouses have been awarded permanent alimony. You should speak to a divorce lawyer about your case to find out how long you will likely have to pay alimony.
Can Alimony Be Awarded While My Divorce Is Still Pending?
Courts can order alimony payments while you are separated or while your divorce is still pending. Courts do this to ensure that the spouse seeking alimony has enough to live on during the divorce process.
Can Alimony Orders Be Modified?
Whether your alimony order can be modified will depend on the details of your situation. An experienced divorce lawyer can review your settlement and explain how flexible your alimony orders are.
Is Alimony Taxable?
If your divorce was finalized before 2019, spousal support payments made by the paying spouse are tax deductible, while support paid to a spouse is taxable income. If your divorce is finalized after January 1st 2019, the paying spouse is no longer entitled to the tax deduction and the recipient spouse doesn’t have to report the payments as part of their taxable income.
Divorce Attorney Serving Annapolis
Do you have more questions about spousal support orders? Our legal professionals are here to assist you and walk you through each detail of your case. At the Law Office of Nicholas T. Exarhakis, we are committed to making sure our client’s rights are protected throughout their case, and we have the skills and resources that you need to secure a favorable outcome. Stop by our office today to speak to one of our legal advocates.
Call (410) 593-0040 to request your free consultation with our family law lawyer in Annapolis.