Alimony Laws and Facts

Did your judge ask you to write an alimony statement? Do you want to know how to calculate your alimony? Alimony isn't as straightforward as it might seem and a lot of different factors come into play when it comes to your spousal support. Find out all about alimony including the rules and laws along with how to enforce alimony.

Exploring Alimony

When a couple decides to divorce, one partner may be ordered to pay alimony to the other. Alimony is money paid to a former spouse to provide for their support on separation or after a divorce. It is also known as spousal support or maintenance. While this might seem pretty cut and dry, alimony is anything but. Not only are their different types of alimony but ways that you can help yourself get alimony or even ways to avoid alimony. The world of alimony is a slippery and sometimes confusing slope for both men and women. Being informed on how men can get alimony or alimony rules can keep you a step ahead of the game.

A Look at the Laws

The laws for alimony are not universal. Therefore, it's to your advantage to know as much about the topic of spousal support as possible, whether you're in a position to collect or to pay. The type of alimony that you can get and how your payments are determined can vary from state to state. Did you realize there was cohabitation laws for new partners or military laws? It's important to stay informed.

State Laws

While all states have some form of alimony, the statutes for alimony are very different for Massachusetts residents than they are for New Jersey, which has permanent alimony. However, they typically follow the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act principles. Knowing the rules and statues can keep you in check.

Calculate Alimony Payments

Given the rules and guidelines that guide each different state, there isn't a one-stop-shop calculation for figuring out how your alimony payments are determined. However, using an alimony calculator can give you a ballpark. This uses a formula that takes into account marriage length and income to tell you if you are entitled to alimony. Using a calculator might also shed some light on if it might be time to reduce alimony.

Getting Informed

Being informed and knowing the alimony figures, can keep your stress level down when you are going through a divorce. Find out everything you can that pertains to alimony laws where you live so that you receive the full benefits of alimony payments or so that you adhere to the rules. You should always consult with a licensed attorney for individual help and advice, especially since laws may differ depending on where you live.