Reasons to Request Child Support and Alimony

Legal Tips & Resources

For some, alimony and child support are two necessary forms of assistance that a person facing divorce may need to request. There are a plethora of emotions that may make the decision to file for divorce incredibly challenging. When contending with financial challenges or financial differentials, the unknown during and after divorce can be full of unknowns. If you were financially reliant upon your spouse, the idea of filing for divorce can be terrifying. For the help that you deserve when considering whether you have the ability to request child support and alimony, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The following, are common reasons you may consider requesting child support and alimony following a divorce:

Requesting Child Support…

Child support is a way to ensure that children receive financial support when two parents are no longer in a relationship with one another. The parent who has physical custody of the child is certain to bear a more costly financial burden when the child lives with them full time. Because of this, it’s only natural that the other parent should assist in the child’s care. The purpose is to ensure that the financial impact from the separation has a minimal effect on a child. There are a number or reasons that a parent should request child support:

  • To help cover educational expenses such as daycare or school
  • Extra curricular activities
  • To help pay for shelter and food
  • Medical care

Requesting Alimony…

Alimony is a form of spousal support that can be requested by one party. Alimony is provided to a person who is in need of financial support following a separation or divorce. This form of support is often paid out in a monthly payment, or lump sum. Common reasons a spouse may seek alimony support include:

  • To help you get back on your feet following divorce
  • To support a person who has a medical condition or disability
  • To support a person who does not have the ability to return to the workforce
  • Your ex earns more income than you do

Initiating the Process

Whether you have recently reached the decision that divorce is in your best interest, or are already experiencing a legal entanglement regarding the support you are entitled to, it may be a good idea to reach out to a family lawyer. They will be able to provide you with a listening ear to help guide you through the process and face the challenging experience of requesting alimony and/or child support. No matter where you are in the process of separating your life from the person you were married, taking key steps to contact a family lawyer may work to your advantage. The process will usually begin by a lawyer listening to your needs and filing a petition with the court.

The road to finalizing a divorce can be long and arduous. Because of this, it’s important that you not only obtain a family lawyer to help you value the worth of your case but also to ensure that you are making well-informed decisions that are in your best interests. For more information about how a family lawyer Tampa, FL families recommend can protect you. Contact them today at your earliest convenience.  

Thank you to the experts at The Mckinney Law Group for their insight into child support law.