When a Louisville couple chooses to end their union and part ways, a point of contention that often arises has to do with alimony and how much - if anything - will be paid from one spouse to the other. According to the laws of the state of Kentucky, there are numerous factors that will go into how much will be paid for spousal support. It's important to understand the laws before moving forward in seeking alimony or disputing how much is ordered to be paid.
When a dissolution of marriage or a legal separation occurs or a proceeding seeking maintenance is filed after a marriage has been ended because of an absent spouse, the court can order one spouse or the other to pay spousal support if the receiving spouse doesn't have sufficient property that will provide for his or her reasonable needs. In addition, spousal support may be ordered if the receiving spouse is not able to support him or herself through work or has a child who is in a situation that makes it necessary for the custodial parent to be home to care for him or her.
The court will determine the amount of time that the spousal support will have to be paid. Factors that play into that decision include: the financial resources of the recipient accounting for property and whether or not it is possible to meet the spouse's needs independent of support, the amount of time it will take to accumulate the necessary education or training to find a suitable job with sufficient income, the standard of living that the spouses enjoyed during the marriage, duration of the marriage, the age and condition of the spouse seeking support and the capability of the prospective supporting spouse to meet the needs of the other spouse.
When a marriage is ending, there are many issues that must be navigated. Many times, one spouse will be seeking alimony and the other spouse either doesn't want to pay or disagrees with the amount that is requested. In order to reach a positive resolution, it's important for both parties to have experienced legal advice as they move forward in the case.