When you and your spouse divorce in Missouri, you may wonder if you will receive spousal support and if so, how much these payments might be. Sometimes alimony is not as straightforward as child support, though. At Turken and Porzenski, L.L.C., we understand that you have many questions and are ready to help you find the answers.
You may receive alimony if your circumstances meet key requirements. According to FindLaw, a court may award spousal support if you cannot support yourself with the salary you receive from your current job or if you do not have the means to earn a living. Additionally, you might receive alimony if you cannot work because you have a child who needs constant care.
If a court grants spousal support, the amount you might receive depends on a variety of factors. A court generally considers your physical condition and age to determine if you are able to support yourself. Another factor is the length of your marriage and the types of assets you receive during the divorce settlement. If you might need training or education to find a job, a court also considers how long this process might take.
You may think that once a court awards spousal support, you will always receive these payments. This is not necessarily the case, though. Alimony typically comes in two forms. If you receive non-modified maintenance, then you usually receive a certain amount of financial support for a fixed period of time. A court might stipulate, for example, that you receive alimony while all of your children are under 18, but you may not be guaranteed this support once your youngest child is no longer a minor. Modifiable maintenance does not guarantee that you will receive a certain amount of support all the time. Instead, this kind of financial support might vary from month to month. More information about this subject can be found on our webpage.