One of the potentially contentious aspects of divorce is the issue of spousal support. Spousal support is the court-ordered obligation for a person to make monthly payments to their former spouse. An experienced family attorney could assist with resolving these disputes.
If you are involved in a dispute over alimony or believe it could be an issue in your impending divorce, now is the time to talk to legal counsel. A Hays spousal support lawyer could fight for your rights and help you get the financial stability you deserve.
Not all forms of spousal support are the same. There are three different categories of support under Kansas state law, and a spouse must request the appropriate type in order for the court to make an award. The types of spousal support a proactive Hays attorney could pursue including:
While most awards of alimony go into effect following the divorce, temporary support is designed to cover living expenses while a divorce case is pending. It prevents a spouse from facing financial hardship during their divorce and can prevent a spouse from rushing to settle their case in order to get the support they need sooner. This type of support ends with the conclusion of the divorce case.
When there is a disparity of income between two spouses, short-term support helps the lower-income spouse become financially independent. This support could last long enough for a spouse to find employment or complete their education.
Of the three, courts are least likely to award long-term support. This type of support is designed to provide for former spouses who are unable to provide for themselves for a variety of reasons. This type of support is often available to former spouses that are elderly or living with a disability. The critical question is whether or not a former spouse can work or has other resources that help them meet their basic needs.
In addition to the basic requirements of each type of spousal support, there are other factors a judge will consider in a support case. For example, a judge will typically consider the length of the marriage. The longer a couple is married, the more likely the court is to award support.
The focus of most alimony decisions is financial. In order for the court to award support, a spouse must typically show that they are unable to support themselves financially. Other important factors include the age of the spouses and their general health.
These factors come into play when a judge determines whether or not to award spousal support. They are also important for deciding how long support should last. State law generally limits support obligations to 121 months, but there are some exceptions that apply. A knowledgeable lawyer serving Hays could provide guidance on these spousal support exceptions.
Spousal support disputes can be one of the more challenging aspects of divorce. To ensure that your rights are protected when these issues arise, it is vital you seek out legal counsel.
A Hays spousal support lawyer could serve as your advocate when the court addresses these complex issues. You could learn more about your legal options during a private consultation. Call now to get started.
