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Calculating A Fair Amount Of Alimony

When a marriage ends, one spouse is often left with less income than he or she needs to maintain the lifestyle he or she was accustomed to while married. Alimony can be sought to address this situation. It is intended to ensure that, at least for a period of time, both spouses can live in a financial situation similar to what existed during the marriage, and may be available on a more long-term basis, to provide a basic expense level of assistance. Fault in the breakup of the marriage is a factor in determining whether long-term support will be available.

To ensure that his clients receive or pay a fair amount of alimony, Metairie attorney R. Scott Buhrer takes the time to carefully analyze each client’s specific situation. Mr. Buhrer’s assessment is based on more than three decades of family law practice, his substantial knowledge of the applicable laws and the financial knowledge he gained while earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Types Of Alimony

Alimony in Louisiana falls into two categories. For either category, it is important to have the help of an experienced attorney potentially litigate fault and to make sure the amount paid or received, if any, is fair. The two categories are:

Interim spousal support: This type of support is often called temporary alimony. It can cover the time period from when the divorce petition is filed until up to 180 days post-divorce. It is awarded irrespective of fault and is intended to provide the recipient with sufficient funds to maintain the prior standard of living.

Final spousal support: This is sometimes referred to as post-divorce alimony. This type of spousal support may last for a significant amount of time, although it is subject to reduction or termination in the event of a change in the circumstances of either spouse. This kind of alimony usually involves payments that are less than the amount paid for interim spousal support.

Obtaining final support is a two-stage process. First, the receiving spouse must prove that he or she was free from fault in the dissolution of the marriage. Second, he or she must also show the requisite need for support, which normally includes an analysis of the requesting party’s current income, assets and potential earning capacity. It can often be difficult to prove or contest a party’s entitlement to final spousal support, so it is vital to have the assistance of an experienced attorney like Mr. Buhrer when applying for spousal support.

Contact A New Orleans Spousal Support Attorney

The Buhrer Law Firm is located near Lakeside Mall and has easily accessible street-level parking. A loyal and compassionate support staff supplements Mr. Buhrer’s custom-tailored legal representation. To arrange an initial consultation with an experienced lawyer, contact the firm online or by calling 504-541-6997 or 800-636-0784.