Seeking alimony or spousal support is a common part of most divorces, but it’s still an issue surrounded by misconceptions. Before your divorce hearing begins, it can help to learn more about this type of support. In addition to asking your Darien alimony attorney about this topic, the following facts can help you to better understand alimony.
Is Alimony Only Available to Women?
Alimony isn’t determined by gender, so either partner can seek support payments during a divorce. The need for alimony is determined by the financial status of each partner. If the husband stayed home or worked part-time while the wife provided the primary source of income, the husband may be eligible for spousal support.
Is Separate Maintenance the Same as Alimony?
Separate maintenance is a different issue than permanent or long-term support payments. A judge might grant separate maintenance payments to help one partner meet their financial needs until a permanent divorce settlement is determined. One partner will provide financial support for their spouse on a temporary basis. In some cases, the terms of separate maintenance are continued as alimony and included in the settlement.
Can One Partner Volunteer to Pay Alimony to the Other Partner?
Even if you and your partner agree on the terms and amount for spousal support, you should still consult a Darien alimony attorney. The partner responsible for paying the support might decide to stop paying in the future. Your attorney can include the agreement in the divorce settlement documents to ensure both parties continue to live up to the agreement.
Find out how The Family Law Firm Healy Eliot + McCann can help you obtain a more favorable divorce settlement when you visit them online.
