Why you have to ask for alimony if you want it

Financial stability is a major concern for many people going through a divorce. Alimony, also known as spousal support, can provide financial assistance to a spouse who may not be able to support themselves immediately after the separation.

However, alimony is not automatic. A spouse needs to request it during the divorce proceedings.

The importance of making a formal request

The court will not award alimony unless one spouse formally requests it. This step is necessary because the judge needs to be aware of the financial disparity between the spouses.

By asking for alimony, an individual signals to the court that they need financial support to maintain a similar standard of living to what they had during the marriage. For example, the median income in Florida is $67,917. It can drop drastically after a divorce.

Without a request for alimony, the court might assume that both parties are financially independent and able to support themselves.

Factors influencing alimony decisions

Several factors influence whether the court grants alimony and the amount. These factors include the length of the marriage, the financial situation of each spouse, the standard of living during the marriage and the contributions of each spouse to the household.

By asking for alimony, a spouse can provide detailed information about their financial needs and circumstances. This information helps the judge make a fair decision based on the specific details of the case.

Fair financial support

Requesting alimony is about ensuring fair financial support. During a marriage, spouses often make significant personal and financial sacrifices for the benefit of the household. For instance, one spouse might have given up a career to raise children or support the other spouse’s career growth. Asking for alimony acknowledges these contributions. It seeks to provide compensation for the financial imbalance created by these sacrifices.

Long-term financial planning

Alimony can be necessary for long-term financial planning. It can provide the funds to cover living expenses, pursue further education or training and transition into a new phase of life. Without requesting alimony, an individual may face significant financial hardship and struggle to rebuild their life post-divorce.

By understanding the importance of requesting alimony, individuals can better navigate the financial challenges of divorce and work toward a stable future.