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Divorce, Alimony and Single Mothers

Alimony is as unpleasant a word, if not worse, than divorce. Nobody wants to part with their money for any reason. Giving financial support to your formerly betrothed is probably the most bitter pill, especially if the divorce is a result of anger and betrayal.

What is Alimony?

Loosely defined, it is a set amount of financial support given by a person to their spouse after a divorce, as a part of a legal obligation. This system is aimed at putting a check on the unfair distribution of wealth between the couple getting a divorce. It is said that procuring alimony is quite difficult in these proceedings. But with prior knowledge of the system and its requirements, the procedure becomes somewhat easier.

Now, spouse refers to any spouse; not just women. However, as with all cases, there are exceptions. Single mothers are not necessarily liable to receive alimony all the time. So just being a woman or a single mother no longer works as effectively as before. You need to know the other factors influencing these decisions.

How is Alimony calculated?

Glad you asked. It’s not complicated mathematics or a standardized formula, or even a set percentage. No. That would be unfair. It is decided on a case by case basis, considering the following factors:

  • The total wealth in the family, belonging to the couple. This includes immovable assets such as property as well.
  • Income of the individuals in the couple.
  • Any difficulties or inability of the individuals to earn.
  • How long the couple has been married.
  • Number of children involved.
  • Status, or the type of lifestyle.
  • The number of contributions a spouse has had to make for the better half’s education.
  • The compromises that a spouse has had to make for the better half’s career.

Although all the factors have an average level of importance, the most contributing factor is the direct income.

So how to get Alimony?

If your only concern for divorce is riding the alimony pony, you can say goodbye to your efforts already. It does not work that way. Consider it as a means to make the divorce proceedings less unfair to you, especially if you have decided to raise your children alone.

Other than that, you need to discuss this with your spouse before going the legal way. If you initial negotiations fail, you should conduct meetings with your spouse with both your attorneys in tow. If, even after their intervention, none of you manage to come to some sort of agreement, the court takes over and decides for you.

Fair or Unfair?

As with any divorce proceedings, alimony decisions are very difficult if not discussed in prior. Fair and unfair are two sides of the same coin. Fair to you means unfair to the spouse and vice versa. If your reasons are genuine, the question of fair versus unfair is erased and the divorce can proceed without issues.

Click here to know more about the exact nature of the alimony proceedings.