Important Records to Keep for Alimony
When spouses go through a divorce, one of the spouses may have a claim for alimony. Alimony is financial support paid by an ex-spouse to the other to help provide for financial needs. Alimony is typically ordered for a certain period of time and may be subject to modification. Alimony laws are complicated, so you should seek out the assistance of a highly rated Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, Florida divorce attorney near you if you are going through the divorce process.
When is alimony ordered in a divorce?
Alimony is not guaranteed in a divorce. Alimony may be ordered if a judge finds that certain criteria exist to justify an award of alimony. In assessing whether to order alimony a judge may consider several factors, including:
- The length of the marriage
- The ages of the parties
- The earning capacity of each party
- The educational and employment background of each party
- The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage
- The resources available to each party
- Whether each party is able to independently meet their reasonable needs
- The extent to which the spouses supported each other during the marriage
Why should you keep records of alimony?
The party who is ordered to pay alimony should keep detailed records of all payments made. This is important to demonstrate compliance with the court order in case allegations of missed payments are made in the future.
What records should be kept for alimony?
The party who pays alimony should maintain the following records:
- A detailed list of all payments made, including check numbers, payment amounts, dates of payment, etc.
- A copy of each check, receipt, or other record proving that the payment was actually made and received
- If cash payments are made, then some form of written acknowledgment from the recipient, along with details regarding the payment amount and date
To ensure that your records are clean, alimony payments should not be mixed with other payments (such as child support or gifts). The payment records should clearly demonstrate the payment amount, date of payment, and that the purpose of the payment was for alimony.
The party who receives alimony should also maintain detailed records. This includes the following:
- Dates when payment was received
- The amount of each payment
- Check numbers for each payment
- Copies of any receipts
- Bank statements showing any transfers
The alimony recipient will want to keep detailed records in case it becomes necessary to enforce an alimony order to show the obligated party is not in compliance.
How can a Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, Florida divorce lawyer help?
Divorce attorneys in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, Florida can provide legal advice and representation in a divorce. A highly experienced divorce attorney in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, FL can review your case and provide an accurate opinion as to whether alimony is likely to be ordered, what form it will take, for how long it will be, and generally in what amount it will be. Our Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice family law firm will help you know what to expect during the divorce process and we will advocate for the best results possible under the circumstances.
If you are considering divorce or have been served with divorce papers, then contact the Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell to speak with one of the best Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, FL family law attorneys in the area. We offer a 15-minute free initial phone consultation and are happy to help you with your alimony issues.
