When a man tells his wife he wants to get divorced after 30 years of marriage, the announcement may come as a complete shock. The circumstances can be even more upsetting if she hasn’t worked outside the home since they were married. Even in the 21st Century, many married couples agree that the wife will be a homemaker. She may assume she will receive alimony, but the situation isn’t that simple. The woman will need a divorce and Alimony Attorney in Columbus IN to make sure she can remain financially solvent.
Limited Provisions
Indiana state law has very limited provisions in regard to spousal support. The maximum time frame generally allowed is three years, except in specific circumstances. Then the court can make adjustments. For example, if the spouse who has never worked since the marriage is physically or mentally disabled, longer-term alimony may be allowed.
Gaining Training and Skills
If the person actually could work but lacks training or skills, an Alimony Attorney in Columbus IN may persuade a judge to allow spousal support to be paid while that problem is solved. This individual could probably get a retail position and be trained on the job, but the odds are high that this position would not pay enough to maintain a household. Going back to school for a semester, a year or two years would be more effective.
In contrast, it may be more difficult to convince a judge to order alimony payments if this person has a degree or job skills, even if there has been no work experience for many years. Over time, legislators and the courts have come to expect women to be able to support themselves and not only rely on an ex-spouse’s income.
The Possibility of a Property Settlement
Instead of alimony, attorneys with a law firm such as Alcorn Sage Schwartz & Magrath LLP may negotiate a property settlement with the other spouse’s lawyers. This would be intended to provide enough income to pay the bills indefinitely. The client might need to consult with a financial adviser about how to make that money last through savings and investments. Anyone who is dealing with this kind of situation may click here for details on this particular organization.