Sumter Spousal Support Lawyer

Sumter Spousal Support Attorney

Understanding the intricacies of spousal support in Sumter, South Carolina, is important as you advance through the divorce process. A Sumter spousal support lawyer can step in to supervise the entire process and ensure your rights and interests are well-protected from start to finish. This can help provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your case is in good hands and will be more likely to reach a fair and equitable resolution.

At Kinney Law Firm, we proudly offer comprehensive legal support for anyone going through a divorce in Sumter. Appropriate spousal support payments are extremely important to determine, as they have a direct impact on each party’s financial security moving forward. We can work diligently to ensure your case is handled with care.

Common Spousal Support Disputes

Disputes over spousal support arrangements, otherwise known as alimony, are common in Sumter, SC, as both spouses often have different views on what they believe would be a fair and reasonable arrangement.

Some of the most common conflicts in alimony cases include:

• Size of the Payments. When negotiating spousal support arrangements, one party might feel that the original proposal is either not enough to meet their financial needs or is excessively burdensome.

For example, the spouse receiving the funds might argue that they need a higher amount to cover the new living expenses that they now have to handle on their own. Conversely, the payer might feel like the monthly payments are too high and put them at risk of losing their financial stability.

• Duration of the Payments. Disputes over how long spousal support payments should last is another common disruption during divorce proceedings. The individual who is receiving the payments may try to seek long-term or permanent support by claiming they have been out of the workforce for too long and can’t secure a job that would support them sufficiently.

The payer might have an issue with this request, challenging their ex-spouse’s claim that they cannot obtain gainful employment.

• Change in Circumstances. Lifestyle changes are inevitable, especially when two people divorce and begin to navigate life on their own. Alimony arrangements can be modified after they’re made if changes in circumstances arise.

One of the most common instances of a lifestyle change is when one spouse meets someone else and begins to start their life together as a new couple. Now that the spouse has the additional support of someone new, this could warrant the original spousal support plan being reduced or terminated. The paying spouse may file for a modification, which the receiving spouse may dispute.

Factors that Influence Spousal Support Decisions

There are many different factors that combine to form a unique spousal support arrangement for each divorced couple. The factors considered to help reach a fair and just arrangement include:

• Length of Marriage. The duration of a couple’s marriage plays a significant role in spousal support decisions. The longer the tenure, the higher the chance that spousal support obligations will be larger or extended for a longer period.
• Income and Earning Capacity. Courts in South Carolina will take time to analyze each spouse’s income and earning potential. This will include a review of their current job, qualifications, work experience, and the future earning potential they have.
• Standard of Living. The concept of spousal support is intended to help the spouse with a lower income enjoy a lifestyle similar to that they experienced while married. To ensure that spousal support payments will help, the court will look into the specifics of the lifestyle the couple enjoyed during their marriage and try to minimize any drastic changes for the lower-earning spouse.
• Age and Health. The age and health of the spouses are other critical components to consider. If a spouse is older or has certain medical conditions, they may require extra support.

FAQs

Do I Have to Support My Spouse After Divorce?

Whether you have to support your spouse after a divorce depends on factors like how long you have been married, how much money you both are making, and what standard of living was established during the marriage. These factors help the court evaluate what level of spousal support would be necessary to maintain a fair financial balance for both parties once the divorce is complete. A qualified family law attorney can help clarify each party’s obligations.

What Disqualifies You From Alimony in South Carolina

There are a few different factors that can disqualify a spouse from receiving alimony payments. One of the biggest factors is when someone commits adultery. This will generally bar the individual from receiving any type of support. If both parties are financially independent and don’t show any clear signs of needing support, it won’t be necessary to require spousal support payments.

Can Alimony Be Modified After the Divorce Is Finalized?

Yes, alimony is able to be modified after a divorce has been finalized under certain circumstances. For example, if one spouse has experienced a significant change in their employment situation, like losing a job or taking a pay decrease, the court may consider modifying the original agreement to better suit their current reality. To achieve this, the individual who needs a change needs to file a formal request with the court.

What Happens if My Ex-Spouse Refuses to Pay Alimony?

If your ex-spouse is refusing to pay any court-ordered alimony payments, you have the right to take legal action against them. The first step would be to connect with a family law attorney and work together to file a contempt of court action. If the court finds that the individual has willfully not fulfilled these payments, they will take action to obtain the owed money through other means.

Contact Kinney Law Firm Today

If you need to negotiate a spousal support arrangement, contact the family law attorney at Kinney Law Firm today. We have helped many past clients achieve favorable alimony arrangements, and we can do the same for you.

We are proud to offer personalized and effective legal guidance that can make a lasting difference in your life. Contact us today to begin the process.