Does alimony have a place in modern divorces?

by | Sep 13, 2018 | Alimony, Firm News |

One thing many people asked in today’s world is if alimony has a place in modern divorces. Unlike divorces in the past, alimony is not needed to support a woman or spouse who does not work. In the past, it was expected that mothers would stay home with their children while men went to work. Today, that’s not always the case.

Although society has changed, alimony still has a place. Instead of being permanent, like it may have been in the past, it is typically awarded as a temporary financial support. People who receive alimony have generally been in longer-term relationships, may need the financial support to go back to school, have enough time to find a supportive job or to provide a buffer as they work to live a similar lifestyle as they did in the marriage.

On the whole, alimony is awarded for only a short time. For example, if you have been a stay-at-home mom, you may wish to have alimony for a few years while you return to school to start a new career. You will need support so that you have time to go to school along with caring for your children and working a job. Having alimony means that you can work less and focus on your studies more and have support from your ex-spouse in the way that you supported them during your marriage.

Alimony generally only pays out for a few years or until a person is financially stable. Alimony also ends if the spouse receiving it gets remarried. These are things you should discuss with your attorney, so you know what to expect with alimony in your divorce case.

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