Manhattan Spousal Maintenance Attorney
Alimony as Part of Your Divorce Settlement
Spousal maintenance, also called alimony or spousal support, is the financial support one ex-spouse may be obligated to give to the other after a divorce. The gender of the spouse is not a factor in the adjudication of alimony. Its purpose is so that the person receiving it may be able to live a lifestyle similar to the one that was lived during the marriage. If the wife was the major breadwinner during the marriage, the husband may have the right to receive spousal support. If the wife's main job was raising the children and taking care of the home, and the husband earned the majority of income for the family, she may be entitled to spousal maintenance.
As a highly experienced Manhattan family law and matrimonial lawyer who has represented hundreds of spouses regarding the payment of alimony, the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark can persuasively present your case to the court as to why you should be awarded spousal maintenance. We will also let the court know that it may be desirable for you to receive temporary alimony so that you can upgrade your vocational skills or secure the education necessary to obtain a job so you can support yourself. If your spouse is the one asking for spousal support, we will present a strong case as to why the payments should be limited.
In October 2010 a new law went into effect in this state regarding the payment of temporary alimony during the divorce process. When the income of one spouse is less than 2/3 the amount of the other spouse's, the court will look at the possible payment of interim maintenance.
Factors Affecting Spousal Maintenance
Some of the factors are:
- The length of the marriage
- The income of both spouses
- The financial resources of both spouses
- The age and physical condition of the parties
- The contribution each spouse made while married
Asking for alimony or having to pay it may be difficult. We will put into practice what we have learned in the many years we have been helping those engaged in the divorce process to help make this matter as painless and amicable as possible for all concerned.
Contact a Manhattan Spousal Maintenance Lawyer
today to examine your legal options regarding alimony.