Delaware County Alimony Attorney
The Practical Challenges of Divorce
Many challenges come with getting a divorce. Perhaps the most difficult challenge is the emotional toll it can take on both parties. The process of untangling a once shared life can be daunting, and the sense of loss and grief that comes with it can be overwhelming. With these emotional challenges, there are also the practical challenges of divorce. Navigating the legal system, dividing up assets and custody arrangements, and dealing with the financial implications of divorce can be complicated and stressful. Thankfully, many resources are available to help people through the divorce process, but it is still a difficult and challenging time for many.
If you think alimony may be an issue in your divorce, you should speak with a lawyer at the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. Our attorneys can help you understand the laws in Delaware County and how they may apply to your case. Contact our firm to help you negotiate a fair and reasonable alimony agreement with your spouse. For an immediate consultation, call (610) 645-0100.
Different Options of Maintenance/Alimony for Divorcing Couples
There are different options of maintenance/alimony for divorcing couples. The couple can either agree on an amount to be paid by one spouse to the other or ask the court to determine the amount. The court will consider various factors in making its decision, such as the length of the marriage, the financial needs of each spouse, and the earning capacity of each spouse.
Temporary Spousal Maintenance. Temporary spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one spouse to another during the pendency of divorce proceedings. In many cases, one spouse may be unable to financially support themselves during the divorce process, and temporary spousal maintenance can help alleviate some financial burdens. The amount of temporary spousal maintenance is typically decided by the court and is based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the incomes of the parties, and the needs of the spouse seeking support. Temporary spousal maintenance can be a vital source of support during the divorce process and can help ensure that both parties can move on with their lives after the divorce is final.
Permanent Spousal Maintenance. Maintenance is financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. Sometimes, a court may order maintenance as part of divorce proceedings. In other cases, spouses may agree to maintenance payments in a separation agreement.
Maintenance payments may be ordered by a court for several reasons, including:
- To provide financial support for a spouse who is unable to support themselves
- To help a spouse maintain their standard of living
- To offset any economic disadvantage caused by the divorce
Maintenance payments are typically made monthly and can be ordered to continue for a set period of time or indefinitely. In some cases, maintenance payments may be reduced or terminated if the recipient spouse remarries or begins cohabiting with a new partner.
Reimbursement Spousal Maintenance. Reimbursement of spousal maintenance is a type of financial support that is typically ordered by the court in cases where one spouse has been ordered to pay spousal support to the other. This type of maintenance is designed to help the receiving spouse cover the costs of obtaining a degree or certification that will improve their employment prospects and increase their earnings potential. In some cases, the court may order the paying spouse to reimburse the receiving spouse for the full cost of the degree or certification, while in other cases, the court may order the paying spouse to reimburse a portion of the costs.
Short-Term and Rehabilitative Support. Rehabilitative spousal support is financial support that is intended to help a spouse become self-sufficient after a divorce. This type of support is typically awarded for a specific period of time and is usually based on the length of the marriage. The goal of rehabilitative spousal support is to help the spouse receive the education, training, or job counseling necessary to become employed and financially independent.
Determining Alimony
In Delaware County, alimony is generally determined by considering the financial needs of the spouse who is seeking support and the ability of the other spouse to pay. The court will also look at the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the couple's earning capacity. If the couple has children, the court may also consider the custodial parent's needs in making its determination. Factors that may be considered in making an alimony determination include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The age, physical condition, emotional state, financial resources, and earning abilities of the parties
- The duration of the marriage
- The contribution of each party to the marriage, including but not limited to services rendered in homemaking, childcare, education, and career building of the other party
- The standard of living of the parties during the marriage
- The relative earnings and earning capacities of the parties
- The relative education and training of the parties
- The relative employability of the parties
- The relative financial needs and financial resources of the parties, including but not limited to income, investments, real and personal property, and retirement benefits
- The tax consequences of the alimony award
- Any other factor that the Court finds relevant
Hire a Lawyer for Your Alimony Divorce Case in Delaware County
If you are considering getting a divorce in Delaware County, you should hire a lawyer to help you with your case, especially if you believe you will be entitled to alimony payments. Alimony can be a very complex and having an experienced lawyer on your side can help ensure you receive the payments you are entitled to.
A few different types of alimony can be awarded in Delaware County, and the amount and duration of the payments will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. For example, if you have been married for a long time or have children, you are more likely to receive higher payments for a longer period.
If you are unsure whether you will be entitled to alimony or have any other questions about getting a divorce, it is important to speak with an experienced lawyer who can help guide you through the process. Contact the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. at (610) 645-0100 for a consultation about your case.
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