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What divorced dads need to know about paying spousal support

On Behalf of | Feb 8, 2017 | Child Support |

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Getting divorced can be a complicated process. While it ends your marriage, many people find that they are still connected to their ex-spouses for many years. One of the reasons for this is their children.

If you still have young children, you may have to pay child support as part of your divorce settlement. Another factor that will keep you and your wife connected are the spousal support payments you might also need to make as part of the divorce agreement.

Suppose that you have had a very successful marketing career and your wife has not worked since your first child was born. Divorce will leave her without a source of income until she can find a job. The court will consider this in regards to your divorce settlement.

While an experienced Belleville divorce attorney can help you understand how paying spousal support will affect you, read below for some basic information. To make wise decisions while you go through the divorce process, it is important that you understand your rights and options.

The purpose of alimony

The court grants alimony to limit the negative economic effects of a divorce. As mentioned hypothetically above, you were the sole provider for your family while your wife managed the household and children. It will be difficult for her to find a well-paying job after being out of the workforce for so long. She gave up a career so that you could pursue yours. Now she needs time to rebuild her work skills so that she can support herself. The court will consider spousal support especially important if you have agreed to grant your wife custody of the kids.

Determining the amount

The court considers many factors in determining the amount of spousal support you will be required to pay. It weighs the ages, physical conditions, mental and emotional states and the financial situations of both you and your wife. The court also looks at the length of time it will take your wife to acquire the education and skills to become self-sufficient. Other factors include your standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage and your ability to pay spousal support while still supporting yourself.

Length of time

In general, you will only pay spousal support as long as is necessary for your wife to be able to provide for herself. If your divorce agreement does not name a specific date to terminate the payments, you must continue to make payments until the court orders otherwise. If your wife remarries, it is likely that you will be able to discontinue making alimony payments. However, you will still be responsible for child support.

Experienced legal counsel can help you with all aspects of your divorce settlement. You may even be able to negotiate your divorce settlement with your wife without relying on the court to make the decisions for you. Contact a local Illinois attorney with family law experience to receive guidance on your divorce.

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