Auburn Spousal Support Lawyers Advocating For Your Financial Future

Going through a divorce can bring anxiety and uncertainty around various issues. Concerns about money are often at the top of that list. You might be worried about how you’ll make ends meet after being a stay-at-home parent to support your ex-spouse. You might also be concerned about how support payments affect your future income or retirement savings.

At Akridge & Balch, P.C., we understand these fears because we’ve helped numerous families in Auburn and Lee County face these same challenges. Spousal support, also known as alimony, helps protect a person’s financial stability after divorce. These court-ordered payments ensure both spouses can maintain a reasonable standard of living, especially when their earning abilities differ significantly.

Whether you’re seeking support or ordered to pay it, understanding your rights is crucial. Let our Alabama attorneys guide you through each step and work toward solutions that serve your best interests.

Understanding Alimony In Alabama

During divorce, Alabama courts may order either short-term or long-term support payments. The law aims to help spouses maintain a standard of living similar to what they had during marriage.

• Rehabilitative alimony: This short-term support lasts only up to five years. Courts usually prefer this option because it serves a clear purpose – helping the receiving party become financially independent. This money can pay for job training, education or other needs while they build their career skills.
• Periodic alimony: Courts may award this type of support if five years isn’t enough time to become self-supporting. For marriages lasting 20 years or more, the court may order support without a time limit. However, these payments can change if either person’s life situation changes in significant ways.

Alabama courts may also order temporary support – known as interim alimony – while the divorce is ongoing. This helps cover immediate needs until the final divorce order. The amount depends on one spouse’s needs and the other’s ability to pay.

Failing to pay court-ordered support can lead to serious consequences. The court may find a nonpaying party in contempt. This can result in fines, wage garnishment or even jail time in severe cases. Unpaid alimony can accumulate, and the court can order payment of all past-due amounts plus interest. If you are having difficulty with alimony payments, our attorneys can help you request modifications or pursue enforcement actions through proper legal channels.

Knowing The Factors That Determine Alimony

Alabama courts look at many factors to set fair support payments. They review each spouse’s full financial picture, along with their past and future needs. Key factors the court examines include:

• Marriage length and lifestyle
• Both parties’ health and age
• Current income and future earning potential
• Career training or education needs
• Property and debt division
• Career sacrifices for family
• Child care responsibilities
• Any additional income sources
• Contributions to spouse’s career growth

The court’s goal is to prevent major lifestyle changes after divorce. For example, if one spouse managed the home for years, they may need support while building job skills. The law recognizes that marriage choices often affect both spouses’ earning power.

At Akridge & Balch, P.C., we work to show how these factors apply to your case. Our legal team carefully documents your financial situation and needs. We present strong evidence to support your position, whether you seek support or must respond to support requests. Our experience helps protect your financial interests throughout this process.

Modifying Spousal Support Orders In Alabama

Alabama law allows for changes to support orders when major life events occur. Either party can petition the court to reconsider the support amount. The court may change alimony payments when:

• Job loss or income changes occur
• Serious illness comes up
• The receiving spouse remarries
• Living costs change greatly
• Either person’s needs shift
• Retirement approaches

To change a support order, you must show the court how your situation has changed. These changes must be major and ongoing – not just short-term problems. For example, getting laid off from work might lead to reduced payments, while a simple budget adjustment usually won’t.

At Akridge & Balch, P.C., we help clients seek fair changes to support orders. We will gather proof of changed circumstances and present your case clearly to the court.

Call Us Today To Get The Support You Need

Financial concerns during divorce can feel overwhelming. You deserve clear guidance and strong advocacy during this challenging time. At Akridge & Balch, P.C., our spousal support attorneys listen to your concerns, explain your options and develop a strategy tailored to your needs.

Contact us today at 334-246-4697 to schedule a consultation. You can also send us your questions here.