Spousal Support

[sshan]

Hi,

I and my ex have been married for 7 years and we have a son together and we have split after 7 years of marriage and I wanted to know from the group as how many years of spousal support I will be paying?

SSHAN

 

[Tayken]

Lots of factors. Duration of your marriage is "short". But, income differences matter... Did the other person work during the 7 years? etc. etc.

 

[sshan]

Hi,

On and off she worked for few years but after filing the divorce she is not looking for a job and her lawyer is expecting me to pay spousal support with the income imputation as 10,000 dollar as year so I wanted to know if I represent myself can you I reduce the years and the amount?

Regards

SSHAN

 

[Janus]

if I represent myself can you I reduce the years and the amount?

Spousal support is always negotiable. The other side may not always be willing to negotiate.

7 years of marriage is pretty short. The actual amount you pay matters less than making sure that you have a date where spousal support ends.

eg.

A: "Support of $1800/month until otherwise ordered"

B: "Support of $2400/month until September 2026"

"B" is much better than "A". If you agree to "A", expect many many years of spousal support. People are not generally thrilled to lose free money.

 

[StillPaying]

Lots of factors to consider, but if entitled then negotiations is your best bet. Why is $10k being imputed? It should hopefully be minimum wage (30k) at least.

The problem with court is they don't like to put end dates and you'll have to go through it twice. I paid ss just under 7 years for a 7 year marriage. 3 years to get to trial, 10 months for final order with a 3 year review date. Negotiate all you can!

 

[sshan]

Hi,

Thank you for the response.

1. Can we use the divorcesupport calculator as a tool to calculate the spousal support amount?
2. The software says to pay for 5 years and by any chance I lose my job : will I be put in Jail for not paying or do i need to go to court to reduce the support?
3. If property division is made will the judge consider a reduction in spousal support?
4. is it worth paying one time support ?

So while negotiating in my seperation agreement I should request end date for the spousal support ? Am I correct?

Regards

SSHAN

 

[Janus]

1. Can we use the divorcesupport calculator as a tool to calculate the spousal support amount?

It will give a range. You and your ex may disagree about where to pay within that range.

2. The software says to pay for 5 years and by any chance I lose my job : will I be put in Jail for not paying or do i need to go to court to reduce the support?

You will not go to jail for losing your job and not paying support. However, if you do lose your job, you will have to go to court and show it was not your fault. Until you go to court, you will still owe the money. You will pay it eventually...

3. If property division is made will the judge consider a reduction in spousal support?

What do you mean "if" a property division is made. A property division will be made. That will have no effect on spousal support.

4. is it worth paying one time support ?

Generally yes, but the other side has to agree. There are some tax issues to consider but it is still worth it.