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A Guide to an Amicable Divorce


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A Guide to an Amicable Divorce

When I got divorced, it went off without a hitch. When my friends heard how easy it was, they were shocked. None of the people they knew had experienced the same easy separation I had. It was not problems with their spouses that was the issue. It was the attorneys. After talking to a few more people and my divorce attorney, I created this blog. I want to help others who are going through the divorce process understand their options. I also want people to realize that there are good attorneys who are committed to getting what is best for their clients.

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What You Need To Know About Alimony

Anyone getting divorced needs to fully understand alimony. It is going to be a big part of settling the divorce, and it can have long-lasting financial consequences. Make sure you know the following things if you're starting to go through the divorce process.

What Is Temporary Alimony? 

It is likely that a judge will order that temporary alimony be paid at the start of divorce proceedings. This is given to a spouse to help them with getting by financially until the final alimony amount is decided on. This will help ensure that a spouse is not struggling to get by while getting used to a new living situation during separation.

What Is Permanent Alimony?

One misconception about permanent alimony is that it must be paid forever. After all, it is called permanent alimony. This form of alimony is what a judge decides one spouse has to pay to the other after the divorce is final. However, these alimony payments can end in a few situations. If the spouse receiving alimony gets married, the alimony payments will immediately come to an end. 

Some states also have restrictions on how long alimony must be paid. For example, you may only be required to pay alimony for half the length of your marriage. If you were married for 10 years, you'll need to pay alimony for 5 years.

How Is Permanent Alimony Calculated?

Your state will have unique rules regarding how a judge will calculate alimony, so there is no specific formula that is used. However, the judge will consider things such as everyone's age, current financial situation, and even your current health state. The reasons for the divorce can also play into how much alimony is paid, with situations regarding spousal abuse often leading to a higher alimony payment

Is A Divorce Lawyer Needed To Settle Alimony? 

The main time that you'll need to bring a lawyer in to deal with alimony is when a modification is requested. You'll need to present an argument to a judge to justify why alimony should be increased or decreased. For example, if you have fallen into financial hardship and are no longer able to pay alimony that was based on a salary at a previous job, you'll actually need to have a judge decide how much the new alimony payment will be based on your new salary. 

Reach out to your divorce law attorney if you have any questions about the laws regarding alimony payments.