Facing a divorce can be an overwhelming task, but just as daunting may be how you’ll manage afterward. You’re worried about how you’re going to pay the bills, but you might qualify for a little help once you’re on your own.
If you and your spouse are going your separate ways, the courts may award you spousal support after the divorce. But it’s never a sure thing, and a judge may have to give your case a close examination to make sure you meet the requirements.
Maintaining help
You could be in line for support when you don’t have the means to maintain a reasonable level of livelihood. That reasonable level likely isn’t arbitrary or ambitious, but instead will take into account how you were living while in your marriage. Without sufficient property, or the ability to support yourself and your children, the courts may see fit to grant you some assistance from your former partner.
Sustaining costs
How long your support will last and how much you’ll get can depend on a number of factors. The judge may consider things like the time it could take to reenter the workforce, the potential earnings you passed on for the sake of your union or how long your marriage lasted. No two cases are the same, so the factors that contribute to each situation can vary greatly.
Understanding when and why a judge will award support, and just how long it will last can be some of the most important details coming out of your divorce. Make sure you know how these decisions are made, and you could be on your way to keeping things together after your divorce.
