Assess Financial Situations This includes current incomes, potential future earnings, living expenses, and any other financial obligations, such as debts or investments. Having a detailed understanding of these financial landscapes can help each party recognize the necessity and fairness of alimony payments.
Child support is never deductible and isn't considered income. Additionally, if a divorce or separation instrument provides for alimony and child support, and the payer spouse pays less than the total required, the payments apply to child support first. Only the remaining amount is considered alimony.
To breach your contract by neglecting your spousal support responsibilities could result in harsh consequences. If you can't afford alimony the first thing you should do is contact your attorney. They will help you understand your situation and options, as well as your rights.
Prove your spouse is cohabiting with someone else: If you can prove that your spouse is living with someone else, you may be able to get out of paying spousal support altogether. Likewise, if you can show that your spouse can earn a reasonable living, you may be able to have your alimony payments reduced or eliminated.
A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can prevent many alimony disputes. Such marital agreements allow couples to agree beforehand on whether spousal support would be awarded in the event of a divorce. California's Family Code 1612 states that couples can agree to waive spousal support in a prenup or postnup.
In Texas, some things can disqualify you from spousal support. These include: Cohabitation: If you live with someone else in a marriage-like relationship, you may be disqualified for spousal support. Remarriage: If you remarry before your spousal support obligation ends, you may be disqualified for further payments.
The person asking for alimony must show the court that he or she needs financial support, and that the other spouse has the ability to provide financial support.
In order to be eligible, the spouse seeking maintenance must lack sufficient property once the divorce is final (including separate property) to provide for her minimum reasonable needs.