In most marriages, the income levels of the two spouses will differ slightly or significantly.
When spouses decide to divorce, one of the most challenging issues to navigate is how finances will be split. For both parties’ needs to be met, the court may order the divorcing spouse with the higher income to provide payments or “alimony” to the other spouse.
Misconceptions about alimony are prevalent. If you find yourself in a situation where you are seeking alimony or trying to negotiate a fair payment level, it is necessary to know how alimony works in Alabama.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony is financial support given to a former spouse after a divorce. Because there can be a large difference in the income or wealth of two spouses at the end of a marriage, the spouse with greater means may be required to pay the other spouse so that both parties can continue to live within similar means and conditions.
The tax deductibility for alimony payments and receipt differs widely and is one of the many aspects of alimony that our highly skilled Huntsville alimony attorney can provide guidance and assistance with.
Types of Alimony in Alabama
Divorcing spouses in Alabama should be familiar with the different types of alimony available, which include:
- Pendente lite (or temporary alimony) is alimony awarded by a judge to the lower-paid spouse during divorce proceedings. Whether you are receiving or paying, this type of alimony is not indicative of what payments will be required after the divorce is finalized.
- Periodic alimony is alimony granted within a specific interval (monthly, etc.). There are two types of periodic alimony:
- Temporary alimony is periodic alimony limited to a specific, often short, time period. According to DivorceNet, temporary alimony is often viewed by judges as a stepping stone for the lower-paid spouse to settle into their post-divorce life and meet immediate educational or occupational goals.
- Permanent alimony is periodic alimony ordered for an indefinite period of time, often for several years. This particular arrangement is becoming less common, but is most applicable to marriages lasting several years where one spouse was the breadwinner.
There is also the possibility of a one-time, lump-sum payment to the less-wealthy spouse, instead of periodic alimonies that are paid on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc., basis. This alimony is often considered a property settlement more than one of the varieties of alimony.
How Can Leigh Daniel Family Law Help Me With Alimony in Alabama?
If you are seeking alimony, our experienced lawyers will review financial records and court documents in order to assess the impact that a change in financial means can cause, or to prove the various effects your marriage had on your financial opportunities. Additionally, we will work to prove that your former spouse has the capability of paying the alimony you deserve.
If you are the spouse being asked to pay alimony, the Alabama alimony attorneys at Leigh Daniel Family Law will fight any unfair claims or demands. By combing through financial records and the history of your marriage, we can advocate for your interests and your rights.
Leigh Daniel and her team are here to represent you and your interests. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us or contact us online today.
