Alimony is an arrangement in which, after a divorce, one spouse contributes money to the other in order to support them financially. In some marriages, one spouse is financially dependent on the other. Often this means stay at home wives, but it is becoming more common for men to stay at home managing the complexities of a household. When two spouses divorce, it may take time for the stay-at-home spouse to fully re-enter the workforce. Alimony payments are a form of support from the other spouse.

Unlike child support, which is court-mandated and enforced by law, alimony is usually a separate agreement between spouses. It is usually a voluntary arrangement: missing alimony payments is not illegal in the way that supported child support is. Supported alimony will normally be collected through a collection agency, rather than a criminal process. In some cases, however, the court may require alimony payments.

While this may sound like a one-sided arrangement, such an arrangement may be in the interest of both spouses. Emotions can run high during a divorce, but if the spouses still care about each other’s well-being, alimony payments can be a way to minimize the impact of the divorce on the more financially dependent spouse. Alimony payments also need not be permanent and can only be made until the other spouse can obtain a secure financial footing.

This may also work in the interest of the couple’s children, if they spend some or all of their time with the person receiving the alimony payments. Although child support is supposed to represent the less custodial parent’s contribution to raising the children, in many situations it may be inadequate for running a household. By providing alimony, the financially better-off spouse can promote the welfare of all.

If you and your spouse are considering a divorce, alimony may be a way to ensure that the divorce does not cause undue hardship for one spouse. Alimony doesn’t need to break the bank and it doesn’t have to last forever. By working with a divorce attorney, you can create an arrangement that minimizes the negative effects of divorce on both spouses. The Oceanside divorce lawyers at Fischer & Van Thiel can help you create a plan. Contact them today to discuss your case with an attorney.