Financial Issues in Divorce: Alimony and Child Support
From a purely legal standpoint, alimony (or more technically, spousal maintenance) and child support don't have a lot to do with each other. Depending on the specifics of the case, a divorcing parent might pay very substantial child support and nothing at all for alimony.
From a practical standpoint, however, alimony and child support are the two aspects of divorce that will have an immediate and continuing effect on your monthly cash flow, whether you're the one who's paying it or the one who's receiving it. To learn how we work to protect your interests on alimony and child support questions under Missouri law, contact the Law Offices of Dennis Bonner & Associates for a free consultation.
Call 888-340-3857 for Advice About Child Support or Spousal Maintenance
With offices in Lee's Summit and Independence, our lawyers serve the needs of family law clients in eastern Jackson County. When your divorce is likely to feature alimony issues, we explain that spousal maintenance obligations will depend on comparing the receiving spouse's needs to the paying spouse's ability to meet a continuing support commitment.
In divorces where both spouses are healthy, educated and working, it's likely that no alimony will be ordered at all. If the financially weaker spouse needs to finish a degree or develop new job skills, alimony might be ordered for a year or two. The terms of a prenuptial agreement commonly limit or waive alimony rights, or provide for a lump sum in place of monthly payments.
Child support is a far less flexible concept. Monthly payments will be based on the number of children, both parents' income and a few other factors. Because both child support and alimony payments might have tax consequences, our attorneys can show you how proper attention to the tax considerations may improve your financial position.
We Advise Clients About Modifying or Enforcing Payment Obligations
Alimony and child support obligations sometimes need to change in order to reflect significantly changed circumstances. They might also need to be enforced if they go into default. Our attorneys can advise you about either side of a modification or enforcement problem after divorce or a determination of paternity.
Contact the Law Offices of Dennis Bonner & Associates for more information about child support and spousal maintenance issues in eastern Jackson County.
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