One of the biggest concerns people can have during a divorce is how they will make ends meet as a single person. This is especially concerning when one spouse does not have a steady career or a regular income. As you might expect, alimony or spousal support is one way a lesser-earning spouse can overcome the financial hardships that often accompany a divorce.
While alimony is still a possibility for Tennessee residents, it does not look much like spousal support did in bygone decades. In the contemporary world, alimony is a tool instead of an automatic right. The lesser-earning spouse has a few decisions to make when petitioning for spousal support. Chief among these is choosing a form of alimony that best meets their needs.
With guidance from a lawyer, a divorcing spouse can choose from the following types of support.
- Rehabilitative: This type of support aids a spouse who has not worked outside the home for some time. It enables him or her to seek education or training toward a goal of acquiring a good-paying job.
- Transitional: This is ideal for those who do not need rehabilitation but do need a little time to adjust to the changes in their financial situations.
- Periodic: When one spouse faces circumstances that prevent them from working or expanding their career options, this form of support may be the best choice. It provides the spouse with a means to continue the standard of living to which he or she is accustomed.
- Lump-sum: This type of alimony is calculated during a divorce to provide the receiving spouse with long-term support. It is typically distributed over time in predetermined installments.
Not all people in the modern world need spousal support. However, it is unwise to dismiss the option altogether until you have discussed your situation in-depth with a family law attorney.