Once a couple decides to divorce and begins the actual legal dissolution of the marriage proceedings, anyone can ask the court for interim financial support. This is often used to provide for the assistance of a lower-income spouse as the judicial process progresses.
After the divorce is final, any party can ask for alimony after marriage. Alimony is not an absolute right. The court will determine if the alimony is justified considering the circumstances surrounding both, the divorce and the couple divorcing.
If a party has received interim support, this financial obligation is not stretched after the separation becomes official. The reasons for granting assistance before the marriage comes to an end may be altered after the divorce is over.
The parties may decide on several terms in their divorce case in a mutually agreeable manner by signing a binding agreement or legal tender document for that purpose. If the couple does not have such an arrangement or cannot reach an agreement, the court will enter, making a fair decision based on the facts and testimony provided by both partners.
This decision is not permanent it can be modified if circumstances change, and one party gives the other correct notice and applies to the court for a review. However, unless there are compelling reasons, the courts are usually reluctant to modify an existing agreement.
In some jurisdictions, the court always has authority in granting maintenance if one of the ex-spouses becomes a public burden – needing federal assistance for the necessities of life.
Comparing alimony and child support
These are two separate agreements. In child support, a parent is required to contribute financially to help raise (support) their children, making structured payments to the other parent of the child or another guardian.
Alimony and taxes
Child support is recognized as the payments a parent makes to support their offspring and cannot be claimed as income or taken as a deduction.
Executing alimony payments
If a husband does not pay for child support, then it is considered as the crime in many states. The parent who has failed to pay in Virginia may have a lot of legal penalties placed against him, including loss of driver’s license or professional licenses as well as actual prison time.
How long is the marriage?
The longer the marriage lasts, higher will be the assistance provided to the spouse. If a marriage has lasted more than ten years, that can be considered a sustainable basis for permanent support.
What are the future financial prospects of the previous couple?
If a spouse expects an unexpected gain or a significant increase in future income, they may have to pay higher alimony than they pay.
Is there a health issue involved?
If a party is in poor health, the courts can determine that their need is greater – because they cannot potentially have support for themselves. The courts do not want to leave a destitute party especially if that would mean getting the state in and providing support in order for the person to survive.
If you need the help of a divorce lawyer in VA with this type of a case in Fairfax, City of Fairfax, Prince William (Manassas), Fauquier (Warrenton), Loudoun (Leesburg), Caroline, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Chesterfield, Henrico, Arlington, Richmond, Alexandria, Warren (Front Royal), Clarke, Shenandoah, King George, Charles City, Frederick, Fredericksburg, Gloucester, Hanover, Hopewell, James City, King & Queen, King William, New Kent, Newport News, Petersburg, Prince George, Rappahannock or York, call our law firm immediately for help and speak to a lawyer about your options. B
