Who Will Support You?
Child Support. Alimony. Dollar Signs. Years of Payments. Custody Battles. Is this what divorce sounds like to you?
The fact is, divorce can be expensive. Who will pay support, how much and for how long are simply part of the process, especially when children are involved. We assume every judge does his or her best to make the most fair, just decision, when it is left to them. However, only you know what you truly need and what you can actually live with. Keeping as much control over the process as possible, while maintaining practical and realistic expectations are key.
“Judges, as a class, display, in the matter of arranging alimony, that reckless generosity which is found only in men who are giving away someone else’s cash.” ~ P. G. Wodehouse
Alimony statute requirements and tax laws change frequently, and it is important to understand how these will impact your support obligations. While well-meaning friends and family may have their ideas about what these should be, only legal and financial experts specializing in matters of divorce should be guiding you through this part of the process. While support issues are an important part of the process, when each party has a realistic view of just what they are, they can often be collaboratively decided in the best interests of everyone.
“If income tax is the price you have to pay to keep the government on its feet, alimony is the price we have to pay for sweeping a woman off hers.” ~ Groucho Marx
Two of our Family Law experts have provided invaluable help and direction in this month’s issue. Keep reading below to help answer some of your questions and guide you in the right direction.
We wish you the very best with your divorce, your family and your future.
Lisa Decker, CDFA
President & Founder of
Divorce Money Matters &
DivorceTown® USA
678-562-2599 phone