Alimony And Child Support In Ny In Wake
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FAQ
Typically, the judge will take 20% of the lower-earning spouse's income and subtract that number from 30% of the higher-earning spouse's income. For example, one spouse makes $100,000, and the other makes $20,000. Thirty percent of $100,000 is $30,000, and 20% of $20,000 is $4,000.
Not all divorces qualify for alimony. Courts consider factors like the length of marriage, income disparity between spouses, and ability to be self-sufficient. Generally, the higher-earning spouse supports the lower-earning spouse to maintain their pre-divorce standard of living.
In most cases, if a spouse can work and their former spouse cannot afford to provide spousal support, the court can deny alimony. It is pertinent to note that New York is a no-fault divorce state, meaning both parties could cite fault grounds, however, it will not affect whether a spouse is granted spousal maintenance.
The best way to avoid paying alimony in the event of a divorce is to sign a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. These agreements, once seen as unromantic, now serve as a strategic way to protect individual assets in case of separation or the need to dissolve the marriage.
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.
In New York, if a marriage lasts a long time and a spouse is old, ill or unable to support themselves, permanent alimony may be awarded.
