It might seem counterintuitive to pay spousal support during a divorce, but there are various types and, depending on the circumstances of your divorce, you may be required to pay temporary or ongoing support. What will you be expected to pay in spousal support when your divorce is finalized? Only a qualified attorney with an excellent track record can say for sure. However, here are some of the most common types of spousal support in a divorce.

Temporary Spousal Support

As the name indicates, this type of support is meant to be paid temporarily, usually while the divorce is being finalized. It is often required of the higher-earning spouse to support the lower-earning one and it often terminates after proceedings wrap.

Permanent Spousal Support

Permanent spousal support is intended to allow lower-earning spouses, or spouses with less earning advantages than the other, to be paid an ongoing amount in order to sustain the quality of life they had grown accustomed to during the marriage. While both individuals might have begun the marriage with equal opportunities, it is common for one spouse to give up their career, forfeit their current trajectory, and leave a glaring gap in their resume in order to raise children or tend to other household matters for both themselves and their spouse. In situations like these, the spouse who “gave it all up” for the other one may be entitled to collect ongoing spousal support, even after the divorce is finalized.

Rehabilitative, Reimbursement, and Lump Sum

Rehabilitative support is designed to help the lower-earning spouse become self-supporting in a specified duration of time. If the court determines this arrangement is suitable for your divorce, they will determine the duration of time in which support must be paid, or a date in which to reexamine the terms. Reimbursement support, on the other hand, intends to award reimbursement to a spouse who made a financial contribution for the benefit of their partner. For example, an investment in their spouse’s business venture, a car to help them get to and from work, and other items might qualify for reimbursement. Lump sum support is less a type of support and more in regard to the actual payment plan. Most spousal support is paid monthly while lump sum is paid once upfront. This may be implemented if one spouse’s ability to pay ongoing is in question, or if a spouse prefers not to be reliant on the other for an extended period of time.

Bagner Law, PC

Bagner Law, PC has extensive experience in the field of family law and will help you get the results you deserve. Whether you’re trying to make sure you are paid what is right and fair, or you’re trying to make sure you don’t get taken to the cleaners, Bagner Law will make sure you get the best outcome possible. Call today for more information.