Spousal support is something that not every divorcee has to worry about, but for those who relied on their spouses for income and support, it can be a lifeline. You might rely on that income to help you go back to school or to get an apartment in a better part of town. You may seek it to make your situation livable until you can build your career back up.
Spousal support is helpful, but it is normally only temporary. That means that those who receive it do need to make sure they can get back on their feet by the time the support runs out.
How long does spousal support last?
Spousal support usually lasts no more than half the time of your marriage. For example, if you were married for 20 years, up to 10 years of support might be reasonable. In gray divorces, which involve those over 50 years of age, permanent spousal support might be a possibility. This is something to discuss with your attorney since the majority of cases will only result in temporary, rehabilitative spousal support.
Many people choose to receive a lump sum support payment instead of payments made over time. This reduces the likelihood of payments getting missed or your ex-spouse stopping payments. This is something you may wish to discuss with your attorney, so you can have a better chance of receiving all the support you’re entitled to.
Our website has more on spousal support and what you can do to make sure you get what you need following your divorce.
