Spousal support (alimony) is one of the most complex parts of a divorce, and not many couples go into a separation knowing exactly what to expect. As such, most people have questions about how much they can receive, how that number is determined and even if they have the right to alimony at all. The complexity of spousal support prompts many people to rely on their family lawyer to help them decide how best to proceed.
At the Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer, P.C., we have more than 36 years of experience helping Lansing residents work toward a fair amount of spousal support. We may be able to help you even if you signed a prenuptial agreement. To schedule a consultation with our office, Call Us At 517-487-6603 Today!
1. Can Husbands Receive Alimony From Their Wives?
There was once a time when nearly every case of alimony involved a man paying spousal support to his ex-wife. However, according to the Financial Post, alimony is changing along with social mores. More men are choosing to raise their children and run the household while their wives pursue high-powered jobs and act as the primary bread winners.
Not surprisingly, this has led to more men asking the court for alimony from their wives during divorce proceedings. The Financial Post says that many men are still too prideful to accept spousal support, but that has begun to change as typical gender roles are evolving.
2. Can I Collect Back Alimony If I Haven’t Acted Against Non-Payment For Years?
This is a tricky area in alimony law. In most cases, you have a legal right to collect your alimony regardless of how late the payment is or how long it has been since it was last paid. However, there are some exclusions to this.
If you have not received your support payments for a few years and you would like to collect back alimony, it’s best to contact your family attorney to find out what to expect from a judge based on your specific circumstances.
3. What Is The Formula For Calculating Alimony?
It’s common for people to think that their alimony payment will be determined based on a formula. After all, that is how child support is determined, but the amount of alimony that is awarded is decided on a case-by-case basis by the judge.
When deciding how much alimony will be awarded, your judge will take many factors into consideration, including how long you were married, how you and your spouse behaved during the marriage, and both you and your spouse’s health, among others.
We can help you prepare for your court hearing so that you aren’t taken advantage of by your ex spouse. Knowing the laws involved and gathering the information that you need to support your claim are vital parts of this preparation. To discuss your case with an attorney in Lansing, Call Us At 517-487-6603 Today!
