ALIMONY,SPOUSAL SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE
Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, is an obligation of financial support paid by one spouse to the other.
There are basically three types of alimony. Permanent alimony is an allowance for support and maintenance of a spouse. A marriage of over ten years is often a candidate for permanent alimony. If permanent alimony is requested, it must be proven that there is a need for support and the other spouse has adequate means and the ability to provide for part or all of the need. Permanent alimony is generally reserved for long-term marriages. Reimbursement alimony is intended for spouses who have supported their partners through years of advanced schooling. Rehabilitative alimony is designed for spouses in shorter marriages who need some assistance reestablishing themselves in the job market and who have a specific vocational plan.
Some of the possible factors that weigh on the amount and length of the support are:
Length of marriage
Age of the parties at the time of divorce
Income of the parties
Future financial prospects of the parties
Health of the parties
If the parties fail to agree on the terms of their divorce, the court will make a fair determination based on the legal argument as well as the testimony submitted by both parties. Modification can occur at any future date depending on a change of circumstances by either party on appropriate notice to the other party as well as application to the court. The courts are generally reluctant to modify an existing agreement unless there are compelling reasons.
Alimony must be included in the recipient's gross income and can be excluded from the payer's gross income. In order to qualify as alimony, the payments must meet the following five criteria:
Payment is in cash.
Payment is received by a divorce or separation instrument.
The instrument does not specify that the payments are not for alimony.
The payer and the payee are not members of the same household when payments are made.
There is no liability to make payments for any period after the death or remarriage of the recipient.
Contact an Iowa adoption lawyer representing clients in Urbandale, Iowa today to schedule your initial consultation.
Division of property between spouses is a difficult issue to resolve during a divorce. Iowa uses the system of Equitable Distribution for dividing marital property. You should seek legal advice from one of our experienced attorneys as this is a complicated area of family law.
Equitable Distribution
In equitable distribution states, all property, whenever or however acquired, regardless of legal title, is subject to equal or unequal division. "Equitable" does not mean equal. Courts strive for a fair division between the parties and take into consideration several factors to make that determination.
If you would like to schedule a initial consultation contact an Iowa divorce and child custody attorney, representing clients in Urbandale, Iowa at Howes & Anderson P.C. Give us a call at (515) 225-9000 or complete our inquiry form.
