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Spousal Support

Ongoing financial support is often a contentious topic in divorce. It keeps former couples connected to one another when they would rather make a clean break. Yet spousal support provides critical funds following a major shift in family income and expenses.

If you’re going through a divorce or breakup, you may now be facing questions about the role that spousal support will play in your budget. At Haskell Law, PC, I counsel clients on these and other family law matters every day, utilizing more than 20 years of legal experience. My name is Michael Haskell, and when you contact my firm, I will help you understand your support obligations or entitlements and work to achieve a support award that meets the needs of all parties.

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Will Spousal Support Be Awarded In Your Case?

Today, spousal support (sometimes called alimony) is not automatically awarded in divorce. Either spouse can seek it, but there must be a compelling reason for a judge to award it (or for the couple to agree on support in a negotiated divorce). Those considerations may include:

  • The age, health and earning potential of each spouse;
  • Each spouse’s contribution to the family and marital estate (including monetary and nonmonetary contributions);
  • The needs of the lower-earning spouse weighed against the means of the higher-earning spouse;
  • Each party’s conduct leading up to the divorce, including whether one spouse engaged in conduct that caused or largely contributed to the breakdown of the marriage; and
  • Judges will also consider other factors, like the terms of the divorce settlement, whether there are also minor children to be supported and more.
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There are numerous types of spousal support, including temporary support (given while the divorce is pending), periodic support (lasting a specific period of time), permanent support or spousal support paid in a lump sum. There isn’t a specific formula like there is for child support.

You likely won’t know whether alimony will be a factor or which kind of alimony it will be until I have had a chance to examine all the details of your case. No matter which side you are on, however, I will work tirelessly to ensure that, if spousal support is awarded, it will be fair to and sustainable for both parties.

For more information about spousal support from the trusted attorney at Haskell Law, PC, please contact us here or call us directly at 616.266.3076.