If you’re going through a divorce, one of the things you may have asked your spouse for is alimony. Your attorney should have spoken to you about alimony and what it entails, but it’s always a good idea to learn more about the topic.
Alimony is a type of support awarded to spouses who have not been working or who have supported their spouses through school or their careers. For example, if you are a parent and stayed home to provide child care while your spouse went to school or work, you may be in a position to seek alimony. Similarly, someone who worked to pay for a spouse’s schooling may seek alimony as a kind of repayment for the gesture.
Some questions you can ask yourself if you’re considering seeking alimony is how long you were married, if you are currently employed and how much you earn. Being able to answer these questions is important. If you are not currently employed, you should be able to explain why and how long it would take you to find gainful employment. If you are not in good health or relied on your spouse to work to pay bills, it may put you in a position where alimony could be awarded, at least in the short term.
Alimony has some benefits, but it does tie you to your spouse for a period of time following a divorce. Consider it carefully, and think about how you would want to receive it if you do want to seek alimony in the future. It may be your right.
Source: FindLaw, “Are You Entitled To Alimony (Spousal Support)?,” accessed June 14, 2018
