Entering a divorce can leave you full of questions, like how you’re going to support yourself when it’s all over. You’re not the first person to ask, and there could be systems put in place by the court to make sure you’ve got the answers.
Divorce is the second most impactful event that can happen in your life. Your life will likely be turned around, leaving you wondering where you’re going next. But you may not have to face that future alone. Your partner may still need to provide you with financial support as you get back on your feet, or longer.
Providing reinforcements
When you can get spousal support:
- Temporary: This type of decree will usually only last as long as the trial, and will look to take care of ongoing needs. The courts could decide that your spouse needs to cover court fees, rent and food costs while your divorce is pending.
- Permanent: Your spouse may need to pay extended support in regular installments. California could define the recurring payment as indefinite, until they meet conditions, or in a certain timeframe.
- Lump-sum: Instead of continued permanent support, you could opt for the one-time payment. You may prefer this option to monthly installments, or in place of a chunk of the property you share with your partner.
- Rehabilitative: If you’ve been out of the workforce for some time, your spouse may need to help you until you’re able to help yourself. The courts could order this during a job search, employment training or further education.
- Reimbursement: This decree could take the form of compensation for expenses that you incurred while helping your spouse. You could qualify if you helped put your partner through higher education or other types of job training.
Knowing when you can get support might go a long way toward reassurance as you go ahead with a divorce. Get the financial backing you need to get back on your feet on the other side of this life-altering change.
