No matter what informal agreements a married couple originally decided upon, those arrangements usually are tossed aside when one spouse files for divorce. This can leave somebody feeling blindsided if he or she has been staying home, taking care of the kids, and now is expected to earn a living. A Divorce Attorney in Brainerd MN often can persuade a family court judge to require alimony payments for a certain length of time.
Negotiating Payment Arrangements
It may also be possible to negotiate temporary support payments with the other spouse’s lawyer and avoid going to court. This typically is the best option, since judges are unpredictable and neither spouse may feel satisfied with what the court orders.
The Purpose of Support
Long-term spousal support payments are unusual unless the couple had been married a very long time and one person had not worked outside of the home through all those years. A younger person with kids still living at home will probably be expected to find a full-time job within a specific time frame. A Divorce Attorney in Brainerd MN can negotiate with the other lawyer to set up payments, so this person can complete training for a new job.
Time Frame
Usually, this type of arrangement is not intended to last for four or more years while the person completes a bachelor’s degree. Two years will probably seem more reasonable, giving the individual time to finish an associate degree, or a technical diploma or certificate. The ex-spouse will probably also be required to pay child support if he or she has been the primary or sole breadwinner in the family.
Other Considerations
If the client had already worked outside of the house for several years before deciding to become a homemaker, it may not be possible to convince family court judges that getting a job now would be too difficult. As long as this individual is not disabled, bringing in full-time income is viewed as a reasonable demand. Anyone facing an impending divorce and wondering about spousal support possibilities may schedule an appointment with a firm such as Borden, Steinbauer, Krueger & Knudson.
