Tag Archives: spousal support

Alimony is money paid by one spouse to the other after a divorce. Today, it is often referred to as “spousal support.”  In most states, permanent spousal support is usually awarded only when one spouse has been economically dependent on the other spouse for most of a long marriage. Alimony laws in most states still allow for permanent awards, though former spouses can generally seek to modify the terms in court. In 2011, Massachusetts eliminated permanent alimony arrangements, and Florida …

More older Americans are getting divorced, and as a result more people are faced with dividing up retirement accounts at the end of a marriage.   Special Financial Issues People are living longer and social mores about divorce have relaxed, says Bari Weinberger, a family lawyer with the Weinberger Law Group in Parsippany, N.J. That has resulted in more older people seeking divorces. She adds that more women are exiting their marriages after their children are grown because they feel …

After the close of another year, income taxes of course come to mind. While it’s clear we have to pay tax on our income, there are plenty of provisions in the tax code that require federal taxes to be paid on things you may not normally think of. As you’re gathering your forms and preparing to submit your returns, consider the following checklist of surprises, groaners, and ironies.   Unemployment Benefits It’s ironic but true – you have to pay …

The man of the house used to unilaterally earn more money than the woman, but that is not necessarily so in the 21st century. Women continue to narrow the income gap, which has resulted in some unforeseen consequences, particularly when it comes to divorce. “Interestingly enough, part of the ramifications of women getting better jobs, getting higher pay and receiving equal rights are certain penalties, such as orders of spousal support in divorce proceedings,” says Kenneth Altshuler, president of the …

Like many divorced women, Nancy J. Kemp of Charleston, W.Va., has a deadbeat ex and a do-nothing judge. She is unemployed and has health issues. Her ex-husband Richard hasn’t paid her spousal support since August. As of Nov. 17, he owed her $4,746. She needs the money for prescriptions, among other things. Since September, Nancy Kemp has filed four motions for contempt with the court. If he’s ultimately found to be in contempt, he could face jail time, a fine …