Alimony

West Virginia Alimony Lawyer

Alimony, or spousal support, is discretionary in West Virginia. It is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Family Court. Unlike an award for child support, there is no formula and fault is considered. If you contributed to the dissolution of your marriage with gambling, adultery, alcoholism or drug abuse, you may be required to make substantial alimony payments until your ex-wife or ex-husband remarries or dies.

Alimony awards are unpredictable. Consult with a knowledgeable family law attorney.

If you have questions and concerns about alimony/spousal maintenance, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer right away. Because alimony is left to the discretion of the Family Court judge, an award or lack of award is rarely overturned on appeal. The decision can have lifelong consequences for you. Contact me at Shawn Taylor, PLLC, to discuss alimony issues. Call toll-free 304-345-5959.

Factors used to determine alimony awards

Awarding spousal support often takes the length of the marriage, the educational level and the work history of each spouse into account. These and other factors are accounted for in a judge's alimony determination. An alimony award can be made for several months or years to allow one of the spouses to become self-supporting with additional training and education. It can also be made for the life of the other spouse, and ends upon the death or remarriage of the receiving spouse. In other words, it can be very difficult to predict a spousal support award.

Fault is considered in determining spousal support

Because alimony may be awarded if one spouse's conduct is found to be a cause of the breakup of the marriage, it is important to consider the implications of behavior and activities that may be found to be contributing factors. I advise clients about the likelihood they may have to pay or might be able to receive spousal support after a divorce. I prepare the strongest argument possible for my client, whether that means minimizing the impact on a client who must pay alimony, or maximizing the benefit for a client receiving alimony.

Contact my Charleston, West Virginia, law firm with any questions related to spousal support/alimony. Clients can expect honest and knowledgeable advice that allows them to anticipate whether they can expect to pay or receive alimony. Call 304-345-5959.