Tips to Help You Negotiate Alimony

In many divorce cases, alimony is a very contentious issue. Alimony is not always awarded in divorce, as it is meant to allow lower-earning spouses maintain their standard of living post-divorce, and ensure they will not experience financial hardship. Whether you are trying to pursue alimony in your divorce, or you are trying to defend against unfair requests for it, negotiating alimony has many challenges. Below, our Lehighton family lawyer outlines some tips that can help you negotiate a fair settlement and protect your future.

Consider Mediation 

Whether you want to receive alimony or are trying to avoid paying it, you may assume that you must take the matter to court and allow a judge to decide. While this is sometimes necessary, it is not usually the case. Going to court to resolve alimony issues, in fact, is the most time-consuming and expensive manner in which to resolve these disputes.

You can maintain better control over the issue and resolve it faster by going through mediation. During mediation, you and your spouse will meet with an objective third party mediator. The mediator will not make any final decisions. They will simply try to foster compromise and communication between you and your spouse to help you reach an agreement.

Understand Your Spouse’s Resources

 Regardless of whether you are defending against a request for alimony, or you are trying to pursue it, it is important to have a full understanding of your spouse’s resources. The courts will carefully consider the income and expenses of each party when making alimony decisions.

If you can prove that your spouse has the necessary resources to pay alimony and you have a genuine need, this can help your case. Likewise, if you can prove that your spouse has sufficient resources, or that you do not have the ability to pay alimony, this can also significantly help you defend against alimony demands.

Be Reasonable 

If you are going to pursue alimony, it is just as important that you understand the resources you have available to you. This can help you determine how much alimony you should request. Prepare a monthly budget, along with documents such as bills and receipts, as well as your paystub. The evidence you present can show that you have a need for support and that the amount you are requesting is fair. You should also consider the cost of living adjustment, which may require additional alimony each year.

If you are defending against requests for alimony, it is equally important to be reasonable. If you are able to afford to pay support, offer the lower amount you think your spouse needs to start negotiations.

Our Family Lawyer in Lehighton Can Help with Your Alimony Issue 

You need the help of a Lehighton family lawyer with any alimony issue. At The Law Office of Kim M. Gillen, P.C., our experienced attorney can help you resolve all the terms of your divorce in a manner that is most favorable to you. Call us now at 484-613-0011 to schedule a consultation with our attorney and get the legal help you need.

Source:

legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/23/00.037.001.000..HTM