Who Qualifies For Alimony ?
Each divorce is a unique case and that is why people who are getting divorced want to know Who Qualifies For Alimony ?. Alimony is basically spousal support when a couple divorces. And it is determined based on the laws of the state where the divorce is taking place and the way the presiding judge interprets the case. So, these factors have an effect on who can qualify for alimony. |
When alimony laws were written, it was the man who was the financial provider of the family and the woman was responsible for housekeeping, providing emotional support to her husband, taking care of the kids and all other household chores. So, when a divorced took place, it was automatically assumed that the man would pay spousal support to his wife. Today, the scenario is a lot different. Both men and women contribute to the financial needs of the family and women have gained a lot of financial independence. Hence, in present circumstances, men can also qualify for alimony.
There are many factors taken into consideration when determining who qualifies for alimony. The judge considers the duration of the marriage; and in some states alimony can be awarded only after a certain number of years the couple has been married. In addition, the judge looks at the income of each party. If there is a vast disparity in income levels of the two parties, then the spouse earning lower income qualifies for alimony. Also, if the spouse is homemaker who has been looking after a disabled child or has no source of income whatsoever, then that spouse qualifies for spousal support. Other factors for qualification are health and not having any formal education or job skills. Even child custody has an impact on alimony. As the parent who gets the custody will be unable to keep to regular working hours and work at the highest paid jobs, he or she will qualify for alimony payments. However, these payments will be reduced as the child's wellbeing takes precedence over the spouse's.
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Who Qualifies For Alimony ?
