How Much Spousal Support Will You Have To Pay?

Spousal support is one of the most sensitive matters in any divorce. You and your soon-to-be ex-spouse may be in disagreement over the issue of financial support, and you may have concerns as the higher-earning spouse that you will be stuck with a very expensive alimony order. It may be beneficial for you to learn more about spousal support and how it works.

The intent of spousal support is to provide support to the spouse who earns less or who stays home to help offset the economic inequity brought about by a divorce. However, you have the right to pursue a final order that does not leave you with an unmanageable financial burden. If you will not be able to settle your spousal support issue out of court, it is prudent to know what a Kansas family law court looks at when making a determination on alimony. 

What will you have to pay?

There are no set guidelines for how a court decides how much alimony a person should get. Instead, the court will look at several factors in order to determine what is most fair and sustainable for both parties. Some of these details include: 

• The court may look at how old you and your spouse are as well as how long the marriage lasted.
• How much money you make versus how much money your spouse makes is an important factor.
• The court will likely evaluate the lifestyle you and your spouse maintained during your marriage.
• An important consideration is whether your spouse stayed home with your children or gave up his or her career in support of yours.
• How long your spouse will need to find higher-paying employment, go back to school or re-enter the workforce is something the court will look at.

If you earn more than your spouse, you may have valid concerns about your financial future after divorce. You have the right to provide information and evidence about your financial situation in order to secure payment terms that are reasonable and not unnecessarily prohibitive to your post-divorce life. 

Your divorce options

It is normal to have financial questions and concerns regarding your divorce. You will find it beneficial to discuss these matters with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. A thorough evaluation of your case will allow you to understand what you can expect to pay and how you can fight for a sustainable, equitable divorce order.