Divorce creates many questions that can be hard for Delaware residents to work out on their own. That is why many individuals seek the advice and counsel of trusted legal professionals to guide them on their journeys. A family law attorney can be an asset and advocate for an individual whose marital relationship is coming to its end.
One of the important divorce-related topics that concerns many individuals is money, or their lack of money. For some, divorce means leaving a partner who has financially supported them. It can be difficult to imagine a lifestyle close to what they have lived without some kind of support from their ex.
This is where alimony comes in. There are many factors that contribute to the conversation on alimony, and this post will discuss some of them. As with other legal matters, it is important that readers get case-specific advice and support.
What is alimony?
Alimony is the financial payment of support from one party to another during and after a divorce case. It can be short-term or long-term. In some cases, where both of the parties to a divorce are financially able to support themselves, alimony is unnecessary.
Alimony is not a given in a divorce. It is decided based on many factors that are applicable to the marriage and parties going through the divorce.
Alimony factors
When determining if alimony should be a factor in a Delaware divorce, courts and parties will look at many different factors. Based on those factors, a decision about alimony can be made. Those factors include, but are not limited to:
- The standard of living of the parties when they were married
- The length of the parties’ marriage
- If the financially dependent spouse can get training or schooling to become financially independent
- The age of the parties
- The physical and mental conditions of the parties
- The presence of sacrifices or contributions to the marriage by either or both of the parties
- Other factors that are relevant to the case
After looking at the evidence and hearing the arguments for and against alimony, a court can make a determination about whether it should be awarded, how much should be awarded, and for how long the award should last. After an award of alimony, the parties may revisit their determination if it is no longer applicable to their post-divorce lives.
Alimony is important to many individuals after their divorces. It is a financial lifeline for those who have not earned their own money because of the financial support of their exes. A dedicated family law attorney can help an individual fight for what they need before and after their divorce.
