Alimony Considerations in New Hampshire
Divorce is often difficult. It's complex, overwhelming, stressful, and emotional. Even if both parties agree to separation and divorce, it can still be difficult and emotional. It's change and a transition and still requires agreement and compromise on both parties. Divorce often uncovers a number of other legal issues, such as the division of assets, the support and care of any minor or dependent children, and even alimony. If a spouse requests to receive alimony from the other, there are certain criteria that must be met as well as legal considerations, particularly in the state of New Hampshire.
What are alimony considerations?
In order for someone to request and be granted alimony in the state of New Hampshire , an individual or couple must meet the following considerations:
- The spouse requesting alimony won't have sufficient income, property, or a combination to meet his or her reasonable needs. The court reviews what "reasonable needs" are by reviewing the type of lifestyle the couple had prior to separation.
- The spouse whom is requested to provide alimony to the other must be able to reasonably afford to pay the other spouse alimony.Again, the lifestyle the couple sustained prior to separation is considered.
- The spouse requesting alimony cannot support him or herself, or must care for a minor or dependent child.
All in all, if a spouse that requests alimony needs it, and the other party can afford it, then it will be granted in most cases. In addition to the alimony considerations above, the state of New Hampshire also has additional factors that the court must weigh and consider when determining alimony as well as the amount granted. These factors include:
- Length of time the couple was married.
- Each spouse's age, health, and social or economic status.
- The occupation of each spouse.
- How much income each spouse is able to earn and the sources of such.
- The value of the property awarded to each spouse in the divorce
- What the vocational skills of each spouse may be and the employ ability of each.
- The needs of each spouse as well as their estate and liabilities.
- How likely it is that in the future that each spouse will acquire assets and earn income.
- If either spouse may be found to be at fault in the divorce.
- If alimony is awarded, the federal tax consequences to each spouse.
Although the court has a large say in granting alimony, a New Hampshire attorney from Lucas Law, PLLC can help aid in the process and advocate for an individual in a situation where alimony is required. The court also has a say in the amount, if it is appropriate or required, and remind individuals that alimony is a form of income and will be taxed appropriately and accordingly. Related Posts
All in all, determining and considering alimony can be complex and difficult during an overwhelming and stressful time for a couple. This is one reason why it's a good idea to have an experienced and qualified attorney in the areas of divorce, family law, and alimony in the state of New Hampshire.
Contact Divorce Attorney Laconia NH Lawyer
If you are considering divorce and think you might require alimony, contact the law offices of Lucas Law, PLLC for a free, initial no-obligation case overview and evaluation to determine if alimony is needed and even discuss a case on acquiring it. Allow us to help you today.