Before you can end your marriage in Birmingham, there are many legal considerations, including whether you need alimony. Alimony is also known as spousal support and refers to the amount of money that one spouse pays the other after a divorce. There are various aspects that may influence whether or not you would qualify for alimony. In your best interests, it is wise to consider meeting an experienced divorce lawyer in Birmingham to get an evaluation. In this post, let’s learn more about alimony in Alabama.
Factors that matter
First and foremost, the length of your marriage is critical, and the longer you have been married, the better your chances of getting alimony. The second factor is the financial situation of both spouses. Also, the court will consider the couple’s lifestyle during the marriage. While none of these aspects can disqualify a spouse from recovering alimony, the judge will take these into consideration, including what led to the divorce.
Types of alimony in Alabama
The most common type of alimony is rehabilitative alimony, offered by one spouse to another less fortunate spouse. The financial support helps the other party increase their income and not deviate from the standard of living that they had during the marriage. Rehabilitative alimony is done to encourage self-sufficiency, but the period, according to Alabama laws, is limited to five years. Also, such spousal support is only awarded when there is a significant income disparity between the couple. For example, if you have been a stay-at-home spouse for most of the marriage, you can expect alimony.
Things to understand
For most circumstances, the court will not award alimony longer than the length of the marriage. If you have been married for more than twenty years, you may get indefinite alimony. This could also be true for cases where one spouse is too old to start working, has a disability, or is unlikely to obtain employment. In some cases, a party may have to pay more in an at-fault divorce. For example, if your spouse has cheated on you, they are at fault for the breakdown of the marriage and may be asked to pay more.
Seek legal help
Expectedly, you may find these laws confusing and hard to comprehend. That’s the very reason why you should meet an attorney in person to discuss further. A lawyer will look at all the relevant aspects that are likely to matter, and it is essential to disclose everything that may be pertinent to the case. From financial details to other aspects, like whether you are dating someone or the real reason why you need the divorce, your lawyer must know everything. A competent lawyer will always take steps to protect your interests.
Choosing your lawyer
Not all attorneys are the same, especially when it comes to complicated issues like divorce and alimony. Start by evaluating what the lawyer has done so far, and it is always better to choose someone who is based in Birmingham. You will have easy access to their office, and more importantly, they are likely to be well-versed in the overall process and how local courts work. You can also compare local divorce lawyers in Birmingham through online reviews and ratings. If an attorney has positive feedback, you can at least consult them, for which you don’t usually have to pay a hefty fee.
Final word
Don’t shy away from asking relevant questions when you go for the first consultation. You should also ask about aspects that may impact your interests and expectations, such as getting custody of your child or spousal support.
