Frisco Divorce Lawyers

Temporary vs. Permanent Alimony

Alimony is one financial issue that may be addressed in a divorce proceeding. Also known as maintenance or spousal support, alimony is a lump sum of money or a series of payments that are given from one spouse to another to help maintain a divorced spouse’s standard of living. When there is a large income disparity between divorcing parties, alimony is often awarded to the one with less or no income.

If you are entering into a divorce, our Frisco divorce lawyers are prepared to help you reach a fair alimony agreement so that you receive the assistance that you need.

Temporary Alimony

Temporary alimony is short-term financial assistance that is typically offered while a divorce is underway. As soon as a couple separates, one spouse can request alimony from the other. A couple can decide to make an alimony agreement outside of court by negotiating and signing a legally binding document that specifies how much will be paid and when. If a couple cannot come to an agreement regarding alimony, one spouse may petition the court to receive a court order for payment.

Permanent Alimony

This type of alimony is typically issued after a divorce is finalized and includes a series of payments made regularly from one ex-spouse to the other. The individual who agrees to pay or who is ordered to pay spousal support must make timely payments until he or she passes away or the agreement is nullified. While its name suggests that payments must continue indefinitely, an alimony agreement can actually be modified if future circumstances change in a way that would substantially bear upon the agreement. If, for example, the ex-spouse receiving alimony decides to remarry or dies, the payments may be discontinued.

Contact Us

Alimony agreements can be a crucial part of a divorce proceeding. Before entering into any agreements regarding your divorce, be sure to consult with an experienced divorce attorney. Contact the Frisco divorce lawyers of Alexander & Associates today at 972-420-6570 to discuss the details of your case.