Balancing each party’s finances during a divorce can be a contentious task. A court order for one party to pay the other alimony—called “spousal support”—can resolve this issue. However, it is not appropriate in every situation, and many factors determine the terms of a payment agreement.
Protecting your legal rights will be easier with a seasoned Columbia alimony lawyer. A skilled family attorney will review the details of your situation and seek a support order that serves your best interests, not your spouse’s. Whether you are looking for alimony support or are obligated to provide support to your former spouse, a legal representative will help you get a positive outcome.
What Factors Affect Alimony Proceedings?
Tennessee laws impose no restrictions on requesting alimony based on sexual orientation or gender identity. For example, a husband can request spousal support from his wife in the same way a wife could from her husband. Likewise, an individual can request alimony from their spouse of the same sex. However, there are specific factors that courts take into consideration when deciding whether to award alimony, including:
- Each party’s current income as well as their future earning capacity
- A couple’s age, mental condition, and physical health
- How long a couple was married
- The assets and debts each party will have following a divorce
- Contributions either party made to a marriage, including nonmonetary contributions like household work
- Reason for separation
This list of factors in alimony proceedings is not exhaustive, and courts have the authority to emphasize certain details over others when deciding the terms of a support order. A knowledgeable attorney in Columbia will advocate for a preferred spousal support arrangement based on each couple’s unique circumstances.
What Types of Alimony Can a Spouse Collect in Columbia?
While there are no strict legal guidelines about the kind of alimony a court might award, specific circumstances might influence the form of support given to a partner. For example, “transitional support” is paid to a spouse temporarily until they can adjust to their post-divorce standard of living. On the other hand, a court might award “rehabilitative alimony” to a spouse so that they can receive the employment training or education they need to independently support themselves financially.
In situations where one party is unlikely to become self-supporting or a divorce occurs after many years of marriage, a court may award alimony in solido or futuro, each respectively known as lump-sum and periodic alimony. Lump-sum payments generally have a set end date based on how long it will take to provide a specific amount of support in regular installments. In contrast, periodic support will last indefinitely unless the recipient remarries or either party dies.
A knowledgeable lawyer in Columbia will explain the kinds of alimony awarded to a spouse and ensure that it meets their expectations.
Consider Working with a Columbia Alimony Attorney
Disputes over spousal support obligations can extend divorce proceedings for months, even if both parties agree that one person should provide financial support to the other. Quickly agreeing to a spousal support amount can be next to impossible without guidance from an experienced legal professional.
Speaking with a Columbia alimony lawyer could ensure your support order is as fair and beneficial as possible for both parties. Call today to learn more about spousal support after a separation.
