Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Our Salt Lake City Alimony Attorney
One of the more complicated and often important issues that arise in a separation or divorce is that related to financial support, including spousal support/Alimony and child support (which is often necessary with a child custody agreement in place). In many marriages, one spouse may have put off his or her career or education to manage the home, raise children, or provide other domestic support. In other cases, a spouse may have been abused and forced to stay at home, necessitating the help of a Salt Lake City domestic violence attorney.
These arrangements can often result in a significant earning and earning-potential disparity between spouses. Fortunately for
husbands and wives who earn less than their partners, Utah law allows courts to award alimony, which involves periodic payments made from one party to another.
If you need help obtaining spousal support or child support, or you are facing other family law issues, such as child custody modification or matters involving Utah domestic litigation, reach out to the CoilLaw Firm for immediate and professional assistance.
An Overview of the Forms of Spousal Support in Salt Lake City, Utah
Spousal support—also called “alimony” or “spousal maintenance”—is a payment made from one party to the other during the divorce process and/or after the finalization of a divorce. In Utah, there are three main types of spousal support:
- Temporary Alimony: In Utah, temporary alimony is a form of spousal support that is awarded while a divorce case is still pending. It is intended to provide short-term support to the financially disadvantaged spouse before a more permanent solution can be found.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is a form of short-term spousal support that is designed to help one spouse become more financially self-sufficient. For example, it may be used to cover education or job training.
- Long-Term Alimony: In Utah, long-term or permanent alimony may also be awarded. This type of spousal support—which is based, in part—on the duration of the marriage—is typically paid monthly.
Spousal Support is Not Guaranteed By Law in Utah—But May Be Awarded
It is important to emphasize that spousal support is always determined on a case-by-case basis in Utah. It is not guaranteed for any specific divorce in Salt Lake City. In fact, spousal support is actually only awarded in a minority of cases. Typically, there needs to be some likely future financial disparity between the parties. From there, a wide range of different case-specific factors can be assessed to determine if spousal support is appropriate. A top-tier Salt Lake City, UT family lawyer can help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and legal options.
Who Can Obtain Alimony In Utah?
Courts have significant discretion in determining whether to award spousal support in a particular case. Alimony is available to spouses while a case is pending or after a divorce has been granted. Courts consider many factors when deciding whether to award alimony, including the following:
- The financial condition of the party requesting alimony;
- The ability of the party requesting alimony to earn money or produce an income, including their work history and passive income;
- The ability of the paying spouse to provide support;
- The length of the marriage;
- Whether the party requesting alimony has custody of minor children who need support;
- Whether the party requesting alimony worked in a business owned or operated by his or her spouse;
- Whether the party requesting alimony contributed to the other party’s skills by paying for educational expenses or allowing them to attend school during the marriage; and
- Whether either party engaged in infidelity, physical abuse, domestic violence, or financial irresponsibility.
Because family court judges have wide discretion in determining alimony awards, anyone seeking or contesting alimony needs to retain an attorney familiar with Utah family law. In many cases, the representation of an attorney can have a significant impact on a court’s alimony determination.
We Handle All Types of Alimony Cases in Salt Lake City
CoilLaw is the family law firm that residents of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County can rely on to protect their rights and their interests. Our attorneys handle all types of spousal support cases. No matter your specific situation—whether you may be paying alimony or entitled to receive alimony—we are here as a legal resource. Our Salt Lake City family lawyers have experience with:
- Negotiation of Spousal Support
- Modification of Spousal Support
- Collection of Past Due Alimony
How the Spousal Support Lawyers at CoilLaw Can Help
Spousal support can be a complex issue. At CoilLaw, we are a top-tier family firm devoted to providing personalized legal guidance and support to clients. Our team has extensive experience handling the full range of spousal support cases. To learn more about us or to ask any specific questions about your case, please give us a call. We are proactive. Among other things, our Salt Lake City spousal support lawyers are prepared to:
- Listen to your story and answer questions about Utah alimony laws;
- Investigate your case—gathering all relevant financial records;
- Represent you in any settlement negotiations with your former spouse; and
- Develop a comprehensive strategy focused on achieving the best possible results.
Contact A Salt Lake City Spousal Support/Alimony Lawyer Today To Retain Legal Representation
Any award of alimony made by a court can have a significant impact on both parties’ quality of life. In many instances, it can 
mean the difference between a person being able to enjoy the lifestyle to which he or she has become accustomed or a significant change in circumstances. As a result, it is important for anyone involved in a dispute regarding spousal support/alimony to retain an experienced Salt Lake City divorce lawyer as soon as possible. To ensure the protection of your future and your family call CoilLaw, an experienced Utah spousal support attorney today at 801-884-3775. We handle spousal support cases in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and throughout the surrounding region in Utah.
