The idea of spousal support (alimony) in the 21st century can be a rather divisive one. While many people see it as evidence for or against gender inequality, this has absolutely nothing to do with you and your individual life and financial situation. Spousal support still exists in our day and time for very good reasons.
Marriages are usually not perfectly half-and-half partnerships in every single aspect. One partner may pursue a more lucrative career, while the other sacrifices some or all of theirs for the betterment of the home life and family. One partner may have discouraged the other to work. One partner may have given up some or all of their career to support their partner’s business or career. These situations happen. In the eyes of the Louisiana courts, it isn’t always fair for a recently divorced person to have the bottom fall out, financially speaking.
Since every marriage is different, every divorce is also different. This is why there are three completely different kinds of spousal support payments, designed specifically to address the different needs of divorcees.
Different Marriages, Different Spousal Support Arrangements
Interim spousal support is a temporary spousal support order. This kind of spousal support order is a measure taken to maintain normalcy for the spouse receiving the financial support. In general, interim spousal support is awarded when one spouse has been out of the workforce for a long time, and it provides the funds necessary for that person to get back on their feet following their divorce. Of course, the availability of funds is a consideration when awarding interim spousal support, as is the capability of both parties to properly perform a job.
Contractual spousal support is a spousal support arrangement that was agreed upon by both spouses before the marriage, either through a prenuptial agreement or some other agreement.
Final spousal support is a spousal support order with no end date. Even though final spousal support orders can sometimes be changed or cancelled, they aren’t intended to be temporary. The spouse who requests final spousal support is generally the spouse found to be not at fault for the dissolution of the marriage.
There are many factors the state of Louisiana considers when deciding whether or not to award alimony, as well as how much should be awarded, and how long it should be awarded for. Some of those can include:
- How unequal the two spouses’ incomes are currently
- The disparity between the two spouses’ incomes at the time of the divorce
- The amount of means and wealth that already exists between the two spouses, as well as how easily those means can be bought or sold
- The length of the marriage
- Whether a spouse has military benefits or other state-issued financial benefits
- How long it will take a claimant to get the education or training he or she may need for his or her job search (if applicable); also how long a job search may take for the claimaint
- Whether one or both spouses have qualifying disabilities
- The age and general health of both spouses
- Whether domestic violence or abuse was present in the marriage
- Whether infidelity was present in the marriage
Whether you need to file a spousal support claim, change or alter a spousal support order, or defend yourself against a spousal support claim, Jon Bethune is prepared to represent you in your case. Our experienced, formidable, and highly personalized style of spousal support and divorce litigation is highly rated by our clients and peers for good reason. We believe that the best kind of legal representation is not only powerful and educated, but also tailored specifically to your individual needs. Every case that walks through our doors is attended to by Jon Bethune himself, because that is the kind of dedication we believe you deserve.
Contact us here to send us a brief message regarding your spousal support case, or call us at (504) 218-8570 for more information. The time to stand up for yourself is now.