There are many situations in which couples are left in different financial standings after a divorce. When this happens, the court may require alimony. Alimony is payments that are made from an independent spouse to the dependent spouse to provide them with financial stability.
If you are seeking alimony during a divorce, it is important to contact an experienced New York divorce attorney for assistance with your case.
Types of Alimony in New York
Every marriage is different from one another, just as divorce proceedings are. It is because of this that there are multiple types of alimony that may be ordered depending on the situation of the couple that is divorcing. This can include the following:
- Permanent alimony: This alimony lasts either indefinitely or until there is a change in circumstances. The length of payment can be based on the duration of the marriage. Marriages that last up to 15 years may see alimony for 15 to 30% of the duration. If the length is between 16 and 20 years, the payments may be between 30 to 50% of the duration. If it lasts 20 years or more, it may be between 35 to 50% of the duration.
- Rehabilitative alimony: Spouses who hold off their own careers to support their family may be awarded alimony so that they can receive the education or training they need to get back into their field.
- Reimbursement alimony: If one spouse supports their partner financially while they pursued certain education or training, this temporary alimony can be ordered to reimburse them.
How is Alimony Determined?
Many divorce cases do not end with spouses on good terms. It is for this reason that an independent spouse may not want to financially support their former partner after the divorce is official. That is why the court makes decisions regarding whether alimony is a necessity. In doing so, they consider various factors relating to the marriage, including the following:
- Income and property
- Child support obligations
- Child custody arrangements
- The ages of both parties
- The health of both parties
- Each party’s earning capacity
- The dependent spouse’s need for education or training
- The dependent spouse’s deferred life goals
- If there are any tax consequences
- Caring for family members
Contact our Firm
Divorce is complex. Fortunately, our firm is here to address any questions and concerns you may have regarding your rights, assets, and future. When you choose our firm to represent your best interests, we address each of your concerns and answer all of your questions to help you rest assured knowing you have a compassionate, skilled firm fighting in your corner. We leave no stone unturned. No matter your legal situation, if you need us, we are here. We pride ourselves on providing sympathetic service and aggressive representation to clients all over Suffolk County. Do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. for a consultation.
