Perhaps you’re one of many Wisconsin parents who sacrificed a potential career to be a full-time stay-at-home parent. You may or may not have income from a remote position. Either way, if you and your spouse decide to divorce, you could encounter serious financial challenges as you (and your children) strive to adapt to a new lifestyle.
You might have to go back to school or get a new job. Achieving these goals takes time and money. In such cases, it’s not uncommon for a family court judge to order spousal support. This order may be temporary or indefinite, depending on the unique merits of your case. Before requesting financial supplements in a divorce, it’s important to understand the issues the judge will take into consideration when making such decisions.
Factors of consideration for spousal support
The judge overseeing your case may act at the court’s discretion to make decisions regarding spousal support or other divorce-related issues, such as child custody or property division. Some of the issues the court considers when determining whether one spouse should provide financial assistance to the other are in the following list:
- Marriage longevity
- Education levels of both spouses
- Current income and potential earning levels of both spouses
- Accustomed lifestyle during marriage
- Tax implications
- Physical and mental health of both spouses
- Ages of both spouses
The court may consider any other issue that it considers relevant to a request for spousal support. This type of petition is separate from any petition regarding child support.
Alleviate stress as you navigate a divorce
Most adults in Wisconsin have encountered financial challenges at some point in life. Divorce often intensifies the struggle. However, there are numerous resources available to help ensure that you receive the maximum you’re entitled to by law in a settlement. One thing you might want to do is to meet with a financial adviser — in particular, one who understands Wisconsin spousal support laws. You might also benefit from the skills of a forensics accountant, especially if you believe your ex is trying to shortchange your portion of the settlement.
Most people concerned about spousal support or other financial issues in a divorce also reach out to experienced legal advocates before heading to court. This is the easiest way to protect your interests and make sure you receive a fair deal. This is especially true if complex issues arise, such as a suspected hidden asset scheme or issues stemming from terms of agreement in a prenuptial contract.
