Brain Injury Attorney Blog

Ask anyone presently paying alimony and I’m sure they will agree that the institution needs a major overhaul. Alimony was not always so complicated, but with the social transformation of the past half a century, and women and men sharing more of both the workforce and the home, alimony is a complicated and serious issue arising in any divorce action. Alimony is more likely granted in cases where the parties have been married for an extended period of time and/or where one party is deemed at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. Every case is unique and with at least 13 determining factors used in South Carolina alone, with regard to the amount, duration and merit of an alimony award, there is no hard and fast rule that is applicable when seeking this sort of relief.
Just to clarify, alimony and child support are not the same nor are they particularly connected. Alimony can be ordered either permanently, temporarily, or in one large lump sum at the conclusion of your divorce. Historically, alimony was meant to fulfill one spouse’s obligation to the other to care and provide for them as promised, “til death do us part.” As divorce rates rose and women entered the work force, alimony also evolved. Some say the whole concept of alimony should be abolished and that such an antiquated system is being abused. Others want to see alimony adapted to our time and limited always and only as temporary and rehabilitive.
If you are facing divorce, you may not have stopped to consider whether or not alimony is an issue. I encourage anyone that is considering such to seek the advice of an aggressive family law attorney and explore whether or not their case may be subject to alimony and if so, what they can reasonably expect as their case is either negotiated toward settlement or tried.
Call The Mace Firm today and schedule your consultation with a skilled family law attorney who can give you the counsel you need to get the outcome you deserve.