When you go through a divorce, you are probably thinking about what this will mean for your financial future. Will you be able to maintain your lifestyle? Will you have to move or sell your family home? What’s going to happen to your property and assets? These are only a few of the many questions you may have regarding your financial health and future prospects.
In many divorces, one spouse may have to pay spousal support. Whether a spouse will be eligible for these benefits depends on many factors and the details of the individual financial situation. If you think you may have to pay this type of support or you think you have grounds to seek these payments, you will find it beneficial to start with understanding how and why a court makes alimony-related decisions.
Who gets it and why?
Sometimes, divorcing couples may be able to resolve the issue of spousal support out of court. They may be able to discuss this issue reasonably and come to a final conclusion that works well for both parties. However, this may not be possible for your situation. If not, the court will make the final decision on spousal support after considering all of the following factors:
- How long the marriage lasted
- The earning capacity of both spouses
- How long the lesser-earning spouse has been out of the workforce
- The standard of living enjoyed by the couple during the marriage
- How long the lesser-earning spouse needs to find new employment
- Whether the higher-earning spouse can afford consistent payments
The court will look at the financial capabilities of both spouses as it considers whether to grant alimony payments. Sometimes, a court may give spousal support for a limited amount of time, typically what it deems as long enough for the lesser-earning spouse to get back on his or her feet.
Your financial future
If you are concerned about getting spousal support or you are worried about having to make these payments, you may want to speak with a Texas attorney about your concerns. You have the right to seek a strong and stable financial future after your divorce, and you can start this process simply by reaching out for experienced guidance and support.
An assessment of your case can help you understand what to expect regarding your post-divorce financial prospects. The choices you make during your divorce will affect you for years to come, and it’s smart to think about your long-term interests.