The property division process can have a tremendous impact on your financial outlook post-divorce. As a result, you’ll want to spend a significant amount of time thinking through your legal strategy when it comes to seeking key marital assets. But you also shouldn’t overlook the possibility of securing spousal support.
These periodic payments made over time can provide you with the financial lifesaver that you need while you put your new life together.
How to increase your chances of recovering spousal support
Spousal support, often referred to as alimony, isn’t automatically awarded in divorce cases. Instead, you’ll have to negotiate for it or convince a judge that it’s warranted. Here are some steps that you can take to position yourself for success in that regard:
- Gather key evidence that demonstrates your marital standard of living and your spouse’s ability to pay support.
- Articulate how your career was sacrificed to help support your spouse or raise your family.
- Highlight any future parenting obligations that you may have.
- Have a plan for how you’ll try to become self-sufficient.
Although those steps may seem basic and simple, you’ll want to be as thorough and as detailed as possible. Remember, you’re trying to show that you need support in order to be financially stable until you can get your feet under yourself post-divorce.
Make sure you address every nuance that may have an impact on the outcome of your case.
Are you ready to build your case for alimony?
If so, then start gathering relevant documents and honing your legal arguments. Keep in mind that you might be able to negotiate spousal support, too.
If all of this has you feeling unsettled and nervous, don’t worry. Your reaction is normal. We think that by diving into the process and preparing as much as possible, you’ll find a sense of relief and a confidence as you prepare to argue for what you deserve. Hopefully then you’ll secure the financial resources that you need to comfortably move into the next chapter of your life.