A lot of stay-at-home fathers feel embarrassed when they think about asking for spousal support in their divorce case, when in reality they shouldn’t. After all, the law is gender neutral and is meant to ensure that those who have made sacrifices during their marriage receive the support that they need to get back on their feet post-divorce. Of course, if you’re a stay-at-home dad and hope to succeed in securing spousal support, then you’re going to need to present a compelling argument that speaks to the factors taken into consideration by the court.
What will the court look at when determining alimony?
The court has the ability to assess just about any fact that it deems relevant to its determination of the issue. However, each of the following are major factors in most spousal support cases:
- The length of the marriage
- The earnings capacity of each spouse
- The marital standard of living
- Whether one spouse gave up an education or a career to help raise a family
- Whether one spouse made financial contributions to the education or career of the other spouse
- Each party’s future parenting responsibilities
- The physical and mental condition of each spouse
Remember, these are just some of the factors that may come into play in your case. That’s why you need to take a holistic look at your circumstances to figure out the best way to approach your case.
Navigating your spousal support dispute
Spousal maintenance disputes can be full of conflict, and as a stay-at-home dad you may be on the receiving end of some distasteful comments. Don’t let these emotions deter you from seeking what you deserve. Instead, take comfort knowing that the law allows you to seek the support to which you’re entitled, and consider whether securing legal assistance in your dispute is in your best interests.