Supporting yourself financially after divorce can be an enormous adjustment, particularly if you were not working during your marriage. Under these circumstances, alimony can be a crucial lifeline.
However, you will need to make a case for receiving alimony, as the courts do not automatically award it.
Showing there is a need for support
Wanting alimony and needing alimony are not the same things. If you seek support, showing the court that there is a need will be crucial. Some factors they use to determine this include:
- The length of your marriage
- Whether you left a job to support the home or children
- Interruptions in your education or career
- Your financial and non-financial contributions to your marriage
These elements can establish that you require financial support to continue living the lifestyle you had during your marriage.
Often, the need for support is temporary. Payments may only be necessary for as long as it takes you to find gainful employment or get essential training and education.
Alternatively, it could be indefinite if such an arrangement is reasonable. Such could be the case if gainful employment would interfere with your ability to care for your kids if they are in your custody.
Preparing for challenges from your ex
In many alimony cases, the party who would have to pay objects to the request. They may be angry or feel they should not have to support their ex.
Thus, preparing for challenges can be wise if you plan to request alimony in Nebraska. The best way to do this is to get organized.
Make a list of all the ways you supported your ex during your marriage. Did you work two jobs so they could go to school? Did you uproot your life to move when your ex changed jobs or because their career required relocation?
You will also want to collect pertinent financial information, including tax returns, pay stubs and receipts. Keep track of your living expenses, including mortgages or rent and things like groceries.
Putting it all together
Making a case for spousal support can be more involved and fact-based than you might expect. And often, people let their emotions cloud their judgment.
Thus, working with an attorney can be wise when putting together your request for alimony.
