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Understanding Alimony: Financial Assistance in Divorce

Posted by Crissy Del Percio | Dec 25, 2019 | 0 Comments

financial assistance in divorce

Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally stressful journey, filled with practical challenges as well. Alimony, commonly referred to as spousal maintenance or assistance payments, serves to correct any economic imbalances caused by divorce and may require correction through payments of this sort.

Alimony can vary significantly based on the jurisdiction and circumstances surrounding each divorce. Alimony provides financial support to the spouse who has less income or resources; helping reduce its financial impact while creating long-term stability between both partners.

To establish an equitable solution and establish alimony payments, various factors are considered when deciding how much alimony a couple should pay each other; such as length of marriage, financial situation of both partners, and standard of living. Courts aim for an equitable result while taking into account contributions made by each spouse, both financial and homemaking.

Many people believe alimony to be an ongoing commitment. However, many jurisdictions prefer rehabilitative alimony while certain cases may require long-term support to enable recipient spouses to gain skills or education necessary for self-sufficiency.

Negotiating alimony is a critical part of divorce proceedings, and can be done via mediation, negotiation, or litigation if needed. To ensure an accurate assessment, both parties should disclose their financial circumstances fully and openly. For best results, it is best to seek legal assistance from a specialist in divorce law who can advise on local regulations while representing your best interests.

Alimony comes in various forms: lump-sum payments, periodic payments, or property transfers. Lump sum payments of alimony may provide an easy transition for former partners while regular payments may continue for an indefinite or shorter-term duration. Alimony may also take the form of asset transfers with specific assets being allocated directly to one spouse as payment for support. Tax repercussions can have a dramatic effect on financial matters after divorce. Tax laws have changed, meaning alimony payments no longer qualify as tax deductions for both spouses.

Alimony may come to an end due to various circumstances, including remarriage or death of one party. Some divorce agreements contain clauses to address these scenarios while in other instances court intervention may be needed to modify or terminate them.

As social norms change, so too do perspectives on alimony. Contemporary courts tend to base decisions more on individual circumstances rather than gender roles when making alimony determinations; this change indicates greater recognition of changing dynamics within marriage and contributions by both partners.

Alimony is an integral aspect of divorce that must be carefully considered, from its many complexities and considerations to ensuring its fair, equitable, and smooth transition for divorcing couples. Understanding its subtleties requires both parties involved as well as legal professionals assisting their clients navigate this complex terrain of laws surrounding alimony payments.

If you have questions regarding alimony or divorce or if you want to inquire about hiring a divorce attorney in Kansas City, contact the office of Drama Free Divorce through this number (816) 615-5555. Call us now as our divorce lawyers are always ready to listen to your concerns and help provide solutions. 

About the Author

Crissy Del Percio

Crissy Del Percio is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Additionally, she received her undergraduate degrees in Journalism (News and Information) and Communication Studies from the world-renowned home of the Jayhawks – the University of Kansas. She has been practicing law for a decade and spent the first part of her career specializing in helping low-income survivors of domestic violence. Now at Drama-Free Divorce, Crissy enjoys helping people consciously uncouple. She is also a Guardian Ad Litem and domestic mediator. Crissy has won a number of prestigious awards for her work in public service, but you likely recognize her from her acting career, where she is also an award-winner. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her egregiously overpriced dog, Augustus Rodham and knitting. 

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