One of the most significant impacts you will experience after making the decision to end your marriage is in your finances. Even if you earn your own income and have a fair property division settlement, you will likely find yourself navigating changes in lifestyle and more. As you face your post-divorce future in Minnesota, you may wonder if you could be eligible for spousal support, also called spousal maintenance or alimony.
The intent of this type of financial support is to provide a spouse with what is necessary to offset the economic hardship often brought about by a divorce. These payments can be important to assist you with everything from your daily needs to saving for your future. It is in your interests to learn whether you could be eligible for this support and how you can seek the amount you deserve.
Who gets it?
Not every person going through a divorce is eligible for spousal support. However, the court often grants it to those who earn significantly less than their spouse and may experience economic hardship when their marriage is over. There are different types of alimony, and the specific type you could receive depends on the details of your individual situation. Examples of these different types include:
- Reimbursement alimony — This alimony reimburses a spouse who contributed financially during a marriage, specifically while the other spouse was in school, training or unable to contribute financially.
- Rehabilitative alimony — This alimony assists a lesser-earning spouse during a time when he or she is adjusting to post-divorce financial changes, looking for work or going back to school.
- Temporary or permanent alimony – The court grants permanent alimony for the rest of the recipient’s life, while temporary alimony will only last for a certain period of time or until a specific event, such as remarriage.
- Lump sum alimony – The court grants lump sum alimony all at once, which means that the recipient will not get payments over time. A court may decide this is best, or a court may mandate a single, large payment.
If you have concerns regarding how your divorce will impact your life, you may benefit from seeking experienced guidance as you navigate these complex and important matters. With knowledgeable assistance, you can be in a better position from which you can understand your rights and seek the most beneficial outcome.