April 20, 2023
What You Need To Know About Spousal Support In Louisiana When a marriage comes to an end, the process can be difficult and overwhelming, especially when the financial aspects of the divorce are involved. Spousal support is one of the financial aspects of divorce that can raise concerns for both parties. In Louisiana, spousal support is known as alimony, and it's a payment that is made by one ex-spouse to the other after a divorce. In this blog, we will discuss factors that a court will consider during a Louisiana divorce, how spousal support is calculated, what happens if you're unable to pay spousal support, and what your options are if your ex refuses to pay spousal support. Factors A Court Will Consider During A Louisiana Divorce When deciding whether or not to award spousal support, Louisiana courts will consider a variety of factors, including but not limited to: - The income and earning capacity of each spouse - The duration of the marriage - The age and health of each spouse - The skills and education of each spouse - The contribution of each spouse to the marriage - The standard of living during the marriage How Is Spousal Support Calculated In Louisiana? Once the court has decided to award spousal support, the next question is how much should be paid. In Louisiana, spousal support is calculated on the basis of the financial needs of the recipient spouse and the financial ability of the payor spouse to meet those needs. The court will consider the recipient's reasonable monthly living expenses, their income and earning capacity, and the payor's ability to pay. After evaluating these factors, the court will determine the amount of alimony that should be paid. What Happens If I Am Unable To Pay Spousal Support? If you are unable to make your spousal support payments, you may be subject to penalties, such as wage garnishment, liens on your property, or even worse, legal action. It is essential to communicate with your ex-spouse as well as the court if you are unable to make the payments. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a temporary reduction or a plan to catch up on missed payments. What Are My Options If My Ex Refuses To Pay Spousal Support? If your ex-spouse refuses to pay spousal support, you can file a motion for contempt with the court. This will force your ex-spouse to appear before a judge who can order them to pay the spousal support that is owed. Additionally, you can also work with an experienced family law attorney to explore other legal remedies available to you. At Diamond Law LLC, We Can Assist The Public In Louisiana With Divorce Matters Divorce can be an emotionally challenging time, but it does not have to be a financial burden. At Diamond Law LLC, we understand the complexities of divorce and can help you navigate this difficult time. Our experienced attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to help Louisiana residents with their family law matters, including spousal support. Divorce is never easy, but understanding how spousal support works in Louisiana can help alleviate some of the stress surrounding finances. If you are considering a divorce or are currently going through one, it is crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can assist you throughout the process. At Diamond Law LLC, we are committed to helping Louisiana residents with their family law matters and can provide you with the representation and guidance you need to achieve a favorable outcome.