Amidst the upheaval of untangling a marriage and its many interwoven threads, it can be easy to focus only on the present. Unfortunately, this might mean you have not considered possible future economic concerns, which an alimony award could help forestall.
While spousal support looks different in the 21st century than in bygone eras, it still plays a role in many Iowa divorces. Here are a few alimony options for those getting divorced in the Hawkeye State.
Traditional spousal support
Courts may award traditional support after a long marriage with one spouse who did not work outside the home. It can help the receiving spouse maintain the established standard of living after divorce and may be long-term or even permanent.
Rehabilitative spousal support
As its name suggests, rehabilitative alimony helps the newly divorced acquire new skills or education to increase their earning capacity and self-sufficiency. It ends when the receiving party attains financial independence.
Transitional spousal support
Relatively new, transitional spousal support provides short-term financial assistance to a spouse transitioning into a single life. Its purpose is to aid with the immediate costs of establishing a new, independent household.
Eligibility factors
When determining spousal support in Iowa, courts look at several factors. Here are some examples:
- Marriage length
- Income disparity
- Age and health
- Earning capacity
- Standard of living
These factors collectively inform the court’s spousal support decisions as they strive for a just outcome that respects both parties’ circumstances.
When alimony is vital to your future financial circumstances, you want to ensure your petition clearly explains your need for support. A legal representative can help with your petition and ensure the court has the information necessary to make a just decision.