Youngsville Spousal Support Lawyer

Youngsville Spousal Support Attorney

Youngsville is rapidly growing. With areas like Field Crest, Oakthorn, and Sugar Mill Pond developing within the last fifteen years, many married couples have moved to the area to start a family. However, these plans change over time. Those going through a divorce should consult a Youngsville spousal support lawyer to review their obligations.

Experienced Spousal Support Attorneys in Youngsville, LA

The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory understands that divorce is a challenging time for many. We strive to make the situation move as smoothly as possible. With our personal attention and constant communication, you can feel optimistic about the outcome of a divorce, custody battle, or any other family law issue.

What Is Spousal Support?

Spousal support is another term for alimony. They are similar legal concepts. These are payments that the court orders one spouse to pay to another spouse. In Louisiana, these payments can either end after the divorce is finalized or they can last for a set period of time dictated by the judge.

Spousal support is not needed in every divorce proceeding. However, it can be helpful for the custodial parent if they have minor children. This can help both the spouse and the children have enough money to live independently. However, these payments are separate from any child support payments.

How Much Will I Pay in Spousal Support?

There’s no set formula for spousal support. Some divorces do not even include spousal support at all. It depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Income: The money you earn from a job is factored into spousal support. Other factors, like each spouse’s assets, are factored in as well, even if they are not considered income in the strict sense. The ability to get a job is also included. One spouse cannot choose to remain unemployed to get spousal support payments.
• Debts: Any debts either partner has are included in the final determination. Most importantly, if there are minor children involved, there is most likely child support already required. This payment is considered when evaluating how much one spouse pays the other in spousal support.
• Characteristics of the spouses: Each spouse has different situations that affect their ability to earn an income. For example, a spouse who has not been in the workforce for decades and is older might have a lower earning capacity than someone who has consistent work experience. This might result in a higher spousal support payment for the former.
• Marriage length: The length of a marriage can dictate how financially dependent one spouse is on the other. If the couple was married for several decades, then spousal support might be more necessary than for a marriage that only lasted a few years.
• Domestic Violence: If there are any claims of domestic violence from either party, these are seriously reviewed. These claims are still taken seriously, even if the spouse was not formally prosecuted for these acts. Actions like domestic violence, adultery, or other serious crimes might affect the outcome of a spousal support ruling.

9.8% of Youngsville residents live in poverty. The point of spousal support is to help one spouse live independently after a divorce. Hiring a Youngsville spousal support attorney is one way to secure a fair spousal support arrangement.

Why Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer?

Some spousal support cases are fairly straightforward. However, this is rarely the case. There are often situations in which a traditional spousal support equation does not fit a specific case.

For example, spouses with significant amounts of property might have trouble determining how much spousal support is appropriate. This is also true for spouses with significant medical needs or a reduced earning capacity.

The spousal support process must be initiated by a spouse by filing a petition with the court. An attorney can assist you with these complicated court documents, verify that they are filled out correctly, and file them with the right people.

In these instances, an attorney can have an important role. They can review the entire situation and develop a plan that fits your needs. If the same attorney handles your child support case, then they can take that information into account as well.

Why Choose Us?

At The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, we can make sure your spousal support arrangement is fair to you. From filing paperwork to the negotiation process, our firm can defend your interests in a divorce in Youngsville.

FAQs About Youngsville, LA Spousal Support Laws

Does Spousal Support Happen Automatically in Youngsville?

Spousal support does not happen automatically in Youngsville. Rather, it must be applied for while going through divorce proceedings. If you are already divorced, you can still apply for spousal support. To start the process, you must file a petition for spousal support, along with the relevant documents, to the court.

Does Adultery Affect Spousal Support in Youngsville?

Yes, Adultery affects spousal support and a spouse’s right to obtain it in Youngsville. It might not be an issue during the divorce proceedings, but it does affect a spouse’s ability to be paid spousal support after the divorce is finalized. Adultery is one of the at-fault grounds for seeking a divorce in Louisiana.

Is Spousal Support Permanent?

Spousal support is sometimes permanent. There are two types of support. Interim spousal support is only issued during the divorce proceedings. Final spousal support is a ruling made after the divorce is finalized. Final spousal support can be made permanent, but it can still be ended if the situation changes.

Who Receives Spousal Support After a Divorce in Louisiana?

Who receives spousal support after a divorce in Louisiana depends on the individual situation between the two spouses. The court reviews many elements when determining whether spousal support will even be paid out. These include each person’s income, earning potential, and financial obligations, like expenses incurred for raising children. Typically, the spouse who has less income receives spousal support if it is awarded.

Consult a Youngsville Spousal Support Lawyer Today

The median household income in Youngsville is $113,164. Who earns this income and who has financial obligations has a large part in the final decisions concerning spousal support. To learn more about how spousal support laws affect your divorce, schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory.