Practice Areas - The Law Office of David Lowell

Alimony

The issue of alimony, also known as spousal support, can be a contentious issue in any divorce case. Feelings of anger, resentment, and vindictiveness all too often arise.

Our office can facilitate an equitable resolution that will take the financial needs and abilities of each party into account. Unlike child support, which is basically an algebraic equation, the court takes several different factors in determining whether or not to order spousal support, including:

Ability to maintain marital standard of living in light of earning capacities;
Contributions to other spouse's education, training, etc.;
Supporting spouse's ability to pay;
"Needs" in light of marital standard of living;
Parties' assets and debts;
Duration of marriage;
Employability of custodial spouse vs. impact on children;
Age and health of the parties;
History of domestic violence;
Tax consequences;
Relative hardships;
Goal of self-support;
Spousal abuse conviction (mandatory factor for support reduction/termination); and,
Other "just and equitable" factors.

Contact our office today for a free consultation regarding your alimony and/or family law questions, (360) 755-0111.