What Should Be Considered When Calculating Spousal Support Payments?

Spousal support is not automatically given in a divorce, but it is important to consider it if one spouse has been the main or sole breadwinner for the home. There are several factors that should be considered when determining how much is owed in support. If you and your spouse are in the midst of negotiations, here is what you need to know about calculating payments. 

What Factors Are Considered?

In the family court, the judge looks at different factors when calculating spousal support. One of the most important is how much money each person is earning on a monthly basis. 

Another factor is the expenses for both parties. Take into account those expenses that are reasonable, such as the mortgage and utilities. Expenses that are considered to be extravagant or unreasonable most likely should not be factored into your negotiations.

Spousal support is supposed to help provide the recipient with the funds needed to maintain or get close to the standard of living that he or she experienced while married.  You and your spouse will need to determine what the standard of living is and how much it takes to maintain it. 

How Long Do Payments Last?

Spousal support is not always permanent. There are various types of support and they can last a few months or a few years. For instance, temporary support until the divorce is final is a possibility. 

You and your spouse could also agree to payment for a few years while the recipient gets an education or finds a job so that he or she can financially manage going forward. 

Long-term support is another possibility. It offers financial support until an event occurs, such as the recipient getting married. Depending on the state in which you live, long-term support without a clear and definite end date might not be allowed. 

If the recipient provided assistance to the payer that resulted in him or her being able to financially succeed, the recipient can ask for reimbursement for that support. For instance, if you helped your spouse pay for college, you can ask him or her to reimburse you for the help you provided. 

Regardless of if you are recipient or the payer, it is important to work with a divorce attorney, like http://kamesquire.com/, when calculating payments. The attorney can help you understand what is considered fair by the state and help negotiate with your spouse to achieve this.