Why the marital standard of living matters in an alimony dispute

On Behalf of | Dec 9, 2021 | Alimony |

The outcome of an alimony dispute can set your financial stage for years or even decades to come. That’s why it’s critical that you understand how the court assesses these matters and what you can do to better position yourself for success. One way to do that is to understand the various factors that are taken into consideration when a spousal support determination is made, including the marital standard of living.

Why the marital standard of living is important

One of the purposes of alimony is to provide financial support to the spouse who was dependent during the marriage. Therefore, the court often analyzes what the marital standard of living was in hopes of providing that spouse with a similar standard of living post-divorce, at least until he or she can become self-sufficient.

How the marital standard of living is assessed

The marital standard of living assessment is thorough. A court will analyze the house that you lived in, the cars that you drove, the shopping that you engaged in, the vacations that you took, and even the frequency at which you dined out. Nearly every aspect of your marital life is under the microscope here, although debt-driven aspects of the lifestyle will be excluded from the assessment.

How you can best present your case

Regardless of which side of an alimony dispute you fall on, you’re going to need evidence to support your position. Financial records and first-hand testimony can be critical to your case, but so, too, can receipts. You’ll want to be diligent in preparing your arguments, ensuring that you can paint a clear and accurate picture of your marital lifestyle. If you’d like assistance in doing so, then you might want to read up on this area of the law and consider reaching out to an experienced family law attorney for assistance.

 

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