Going Through A Divorce? Here’s How To Negotiate Rightful Alimony
Divorce is a painful experience for a majority of couples, whether it is amicable or otherwise. There are issues related to child custody, assets and money that may drag the case for years. If you are considering divorce, it is important to understand these implications to minimize the stress and sort out things quickly. One of the key issues related to a divorce settlement is alimony.
Essentially, alimony is the financial support that one ex-spouse has to pay to the other after the marriage ends. It is paid to the spouse who is in genuine need for support while the other spouse is capable of paying it. If you think that you are entitled to alimony after divorce, you should make sure that you get an amount you deserve. Here are some tips that can help you negotiate rightful alimony.
Collect evidence of your finances
A good look at your finances is the first thing that the court will want to have to decide your alimony. If you want a fair financial settlement, you should provide the court a full picture of the assets, incomes, and expenses that you and your ex-spouse have shared throughout your marriage. Separate assets or the ones acquired before the marriage will probably go back to the respective owners but their value can affect the distribution of common assets.
Determine or document your budget
Another factor that matters for getting your fair alimony is your future budget. Obviously, you will require more financial support if you are not financially independent. Similarly, your budget will go up if you are planning to go back to school. Determining and documenting your budget for the next year is a crucial step. Ideally, it should include the one-time costs and recurring ones as well. Further, also add up the expenses of paperwork, legal fees and moving during the divorce proceedings. Seek the help of a lawyer or financial advisor to prepare the budget.
Hire a family lawyer
The next, and perhaps the most important, step is to hire a family lawyer to handle your case. A seasoned lawyer can deal with the nuances of divorce and appeal your alimony as well while ensuring that you get the value you rightfully deserve. Finding someone who has the right experience and fits within your budget should be your top priority. Don’t settle for anyone but the best because their expertise can make all the difference when it comes to getting a favorable verdict.
Consider the time frame of the alimony payments
Another aspect that you cannot forget is the time frame of the alimony payments. A one-time paycheck may not be your best bet because it can only help initially. You need to think with a long-term perspective because you will require financial aid to get back on your feet, particularly if you were dependent on your ex-spouse. Another factor to bear in mind is the timing for the first alimony payments to come in and how long these will last.
Remember that alimony may not last forever but you should get at least enough to get your life back on track. Therefore, getting a fair and just amount is important and you must make sure that you convince the judge to award it to you.