At the outset of divorce, shifts in financial outlook are difficult to handle. Even as spouses separate, mortgage, utilities, and other bills still demand payment. Whether you are the higher- or lower-earning spouse, temporary financial support is an important feature on the divorce landscape.
Called durational or periodic support, temporary support assists struggling spouses while their divorce is pending. Rehabilitative or permanent spousal maintenance replaces such support upon divorce.
The goal of rehabilitative maintenance is to assist a financially disadvantaged spouse in building a secure income over a period of time. The court grants permanent maintenance less often and acknowledges the difficulty of financial independence for the spouse who receives it.
Enacted in October 2010 along with the no-fault divorce law, temporary support legislation established guidelines for calculation of money support based on income of both parties. The court takes additional factors into account when setting temporary support awards, including:
I routinely assist clients who need or anticipate paying temporary support. If you have questions, contact me about getting the support you need.