Can You Get Out of Paying Spousal Support in Virginia? By far, the most difficult issue for divorcing couples to deal with is spousal support. Of course, it’s a financial discussion and decision to be made (or ruled on by a judge), and it’s also an incredibly emotional issue. This is what makes it such a […]
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Virginia Spousal Support Information from Lynchburg Attorney Marcy Jones
Call 434-845-2463. Experienced Lynchburg Divorce Attorney Marcy Jones will help you understand Virginia spousal support law, and make the right decisions, now and for your future, for your divorce. Here's general information about spousal support from Marcy's book, Graceful Divorce Solutions.
Spousal support is money paid by one spouse for the support of the other. In some jurisdictions, it’s based on a guideline calculation similar to that done for child support. In other jurisdictions, it’s based on one spouse’s ability to pay support and the other spouse’s need for it. So if one spouse can show a need to receive support, but the other spouse does not have the ability to pay any support, then no support will be ordered by a court. Likewise, if one spouse has the ability to pay support but the other cannot show a need for it, no support will be ordered by a court. The best way to see whether there is a need and/ or an ability to pay is to have both spouses complete detailed income and expense budget sheets. Having this information is helpful to the clients in coming to an acceptable agreement. If an agreement is not reached, this information is used in court by each side to argue his or her case.
Again, when this matter is handled outside of litigation, the parties are free to create whatever arrangement works best for them. They can agree to a certain amount for a specific period of time. They can change the amount over time. They can agree to a lump sum amount in lieu of monthly support. They can agree for the support to be taxable or non-taxable, deductible or non-deductible. In short, the clients have complete control when they are outside of litigation.
M. Marcy Jones J.D.. Graceful Divorce Solutions: A Comprehensive and Proactive Guide to Saving You Time, Money, and Your Sanity
Make sure you have the information you need to make good decisions about spousal support. To make an appointment with Marcy, please call our office at 434-845-2463 or use our contact form to send us an email.
Start Preparing to Make Decisions
You’ll have to make many decisions during the divorce process that could affect you for the rest of your life. Buy Marcy’s book, Graceful Divorce Solutions, if you are separated or divorcing or even thinking about divorce. You’ll be much better prepared to make those decisions in the best way possible for yourself and your children. Graceful Divorce Solutions is also now on Kindle.