Whenever getting divorced, there are a lot of considerations. A lot of factors need to be taken into account to ensure a problem-free divorce. However, one of the most important considerations of divorce has to be child support, property division, alimony, spousal support, and more. Often, people have been confused between spousal support and alimony.
Since this is one of the most controversial topics, people must be aware of the difference. So, the difference between alimony and spousal support is mentioned below.
While you may think there is a difference between the two, let us break the myth for you. There is actually no difference between the two things, and they are the same thing. Alimony is considered to be a more archaic term where the ex-husband is required to take care of the expenses of the ex-wife to maintain their lifestyle. This support is, however, provided to them only for a limited period.
Although spousal support means the same thing, it is described on more gender-neutral terms. Here, either husband or wife may help the other to cope with the expenses of their lifestyle. The payment is made from one spouse to another after the marriage is over. With the rapidly changing times, where women too are gaining effective positions in the job sector, most people opt for spousal support than alimony. This, however, is helpful, too, as it helps to bring about gender equality among all.
What is spousal support?
In the case of spousal support, the higher-earning spouse will help the other on a monetary basis only for a certain period of time for their divorce. The qualifications may differ. And it is usually the judge who decides which spouse would pay for the spousal support. The budget also gets the power to decide how long this will be carried.
Spousal support, too, is of different types, namely.
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The temporary spousal support
In this, the payment is made from one spouse to another only for a certain period of time, mostly till the divorce is settled.
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The permanent spousal support
In this case, the spouse may need to pay their ex permanently. This the long-term support as the lower-earning spouse gets to maintain their lifestyle and the financial standards. You may, however, not need to follow it forever.
Hiring Andrew Heft family law attorney can be of great help to determine what is the period till which you will need to pay for the spouse.