Do I Qualify For Alimony In Alabama?

When you begin considering divorce there are likely hundreds of thoughts and questions running through your mind. Depending on your circumstances, one of them might be how you will afford to live without your partner’s financial support. In many marriages, one spouse has sacrificed their education or career in order to support the family or household while the other spouse has focused on building their career. This can create a workable balance in a marriage, but once the marriage is dissolved, it can result in serious inequity that alimony can help restore, at least for a period of time during and/or after the divorce. The purpose of alimony is to ensure that both spouses have sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses and move forward in life during and after a divorce. If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, they may be ordered to make financial payments to the lower-earning spouse for a temporary time.

What Are the Requirements to Receive Alimony in Alabama?

In order to receive alimony in Alabama, the court must find that you are in need of financial support from your spouse and that your spouse is able to provide it. These determinations are made after all assets and property have been divided. Any assets received during the distribution will be considered by the court in finding whether each spouse is able to support themselves or provide financial support. The court will also consider a number of factors, including the standard of living for the spouses during the marriage, each of their age, health, and future employment prospects, if and whether (and the extent to which) one party may have sacrificed financial opportunities for the benefit of the other spouse or contributed to their ability to earn their present income. Relevantly, the court may also consider whether one party was at fault for the divorce. It is important to note that the fraudulent disposition or destruction of shared marital property (which includes excessive spending) can be considered in making a determination of alimony. In addition, judges may consider any factors that they consider to be equitable.

Can a Lawyer Help Me Get Alimony?

Yes, a divorce lawyer can assess all of your finances and circumstances to determine whether you qualify for spousal support and represent your interests in court to make sure that it is awarded. It’s hard to ensure an equitable division of assets when you don’t even know what you are entitled to or have a complete understanding of what assets are available. Having a lawyer on your side to advocate on your behalf can make or break any divorce settlement.

Talk to a Birmingham, Alabama Divorce Attorney

If you are considering divorce or want to ensure that you get the maximum amount of spousal support that you are entitled to, it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. The experienced Birmingham divorce attorneys at Peeples Law are ready to help. We will fight for the best possible outcome and fight to make sure that your interests are represented. Call today to schedule a consultation.