Often referred to as alimony or spousal maintenance, spousal support is court-ordered payments between divorced couples that provide financial assistance to the spouse in need. This type of monetary responsibility is not required during every divorce but is available under certain circumstances.
There can often be a lot at stake when finances are involved. If you are facing the possibility of a dispute involving alimony, you should not take on such an important case on your own. A dedicated Toledo family law lawyer can help you navigate this process and fight for a fair outcome. Talk to an experienced Toledo spousal support lawyer from Groth & Associates today to set up an initial consultation.
Types of Spousal Support in Toledo
There are two different forms of spousal support according to state law. These categories include temporary and permanent maintenance payments. After a review of the facts, a knowledgeable Toledo attorney can advise whether either type of alimony is appropriate.
Temporary Spousal Support
As the name implies, temporary spousal support is not designed to last forever. Instead, it provides financial assistance while a divorce process is ongoing. Courts award temporary alimony to ensure that spouses who are not on firm financial ground do not agree to a quick but inadequate settlement to avoid going without. These awards can occur at any point, from filing the petition to the entry of the final decree.
Permanent Spousal Support
Despite the name, this type of support does not necessarily last forever. Instead, it is issued as part of the final divorce decree. Permanent spousal support is often received in the form of monthly monetary payments. However, the court could also order a single lump-sum amount instead. While these maintenance funds are considered permanent, the court retains the power to modify the obligation in the future upon the motion of either party.
For a legal consultation with a spousal support lawyer serving Toledo, call (419) 930-3030
Who Qualifies for Alimony?
There is no gender prejudice on who can request spousal maintenance. Either spouse could seek support from the other, but the court can only grant it upon showing two specific criteria. These include the spouse requesting alimony having a legitimate need for financial assistance and the other spouse having the means to provide it. When a judge considers a request for spousal support, they will look at several details, including:
- Every source of income for both spouses, including any wages they earn, their savings, and the property they receive as part of the divorce proceedings
- The ability of each spouse to earn a living – even if a spouse has financial needs, they might not receive payments if they are capable of supporting themselves
- The length of the marriage
- Standards of living each spouse enjoyed while married
- The health of both parties
A detailed Toledo spousal maintenance attorney can assist with gathering the documentation and evidence required to establish or disprove a need for assistance and achieve the best legal outcome given the circumstances.
Family Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
Contact a Toledo Spousal Support Attorney for Help Getting the Financial Assistance You Need
The dissolution of a marriage can be a trying time for those involved. If you are facing divorce, there are likely many concerns on your mind, including how your standard of living and financial needs will be impacted. This issue can dramatically impact both spouses, which makes seeking the guidance of qualified legal counsel essential.
An earnest Toledo spousal support lawyer can help you fight for a fair outcome during your divorce. Contact Groth & Associates today to schedule a private consultation.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Case Evaluation form
