Divorces are never palatable, no matter how quiet or uneventful they are. What’s more conflicting is the push for alimony by one of the divorcing parties. The Siemon Law Firm has represented many clients in alimony cases and has seen first-hand how couples tear at each other over money and compensation demands. Leveraging their years of experience negotiating such matters, the lawyers have collated important tips to help divorcing spouses demand better alimony.
Don’t ignore the power of research
The internet is a treasure trove of information on any topic you can think of. As a person looking to demand alimony or spousal support, the least you could do is explore the available information online to help your case.
Surely, you’ll have a thousand and one questions surrounding your divorce and alimony demand. The internet can provide clear information on your questions and how to address some of your concerns. Not only does the internet contain advice from legal juggernauts and extensively practiced family lawyers, but it also contains the publication of your state’s family law.
You can leverage the wealth of information to understand what your state’s law says about alimony, how to go about demanding one, and what to expect based on your circumstances and your family’s financial situation.
Speak to an attorney
It is not enough to research information online about your case; you need advice unique to your case and situation. This is where an experienced family lawyer comes into the equation. Get an experienced family lawyer with a reputation for taking and winning high-profile cases. Also, ensure that you’re taking a lawyer within your budget.
Consult with your lawyer about your case and its specifics. Your alimony lawyer should be in a good position to advise you on the steps to take and how the state’s laws affect your chances.
Negotiate aggressively
Much of an alimony demand relies on your ability to negotiate yourself into a good payout. Ensure that your lawyer is a great negotiator who isn’t afraid to propose new terms that suit you and protects your interest.
As part of the negotiation phase, ensure that you aren’t too volatile – this is to avoid further complicating the issues at hand. You can even suggest a mediation service wherein you and your divorcing spouse can table your interests and work together to ensure that both parties get some or all of their demands settled.
Please be informed that you may also need to compromise and shift grounds on some demands to ensure a favorable outcome. Your lawyer will be in a good position to consider the pros and cons of each compromise and advice you on which one offers more benefits to your overall aim.
Negotiate alimony based on your situation
Each spouse’s situation is different and should be considered when negotiating alimony. For example, a stay-at-home parent may need to negotiate a lot more, especially if such a person needs professional development to scale up and prepare themselves for the job market.
Again, your lawyer’s experience and expertise are important in putting together a solid demand, especially for your specific situation. You can also rely on what you’ve learned during the research process to improve the factors for consideration.
Manage your expectations
Unrealistic expectations are among the biggest reasons people lose their alimony battle. You should understand that each case is different, as are the factors to consider. This means that you cannot expect the same amount another person received in alimony. Alimony is often calculated based on a range of factors, including the financial worth of the other party, your contributions to the family during the marriage, and more.
By managing your expectations, you’ll have a better chance of setting realistic demands and getting the right amount to support you following the divorce.
Don’t agree to anything out of court
The terms of your alimony and the agreement between both parties will go through the court. The court will make a final pronouncement on the agreement or issue its verdict on the case. It is important to avoid agreeing to terms other than those the court has granted.
If one of the parties wishes to change anything, such a person must approach the court with a petition to review the terms and conditions of the alimony arrangement.
Agreeing to out-of-court settlements is often not legally binding and can put you in a difficult spot later.
Listen to your lawyer
Family lawyers with extensive legal experience can advise you on what is right and fair in your case. You should respect their professional experience and ask questions instead of setting unrealistic standards. Always remember that your lawyer can decide to quit working for you if they feel you aren’t on the same page.
The above tips can help you increase your chances of securing the dream amount in alimony while forging ahead with your life after a divorce.
