Sometimes getting a divorce is the best option for couples, even when the entire process can be overwhelming. After a divorce, spouses can face significant financial challenges, including alimony payments. Alimony payments can be very beneficial for one spouse, but they can also cause a great deal of financial stress for the other person. Whether you’re expecting to pay or receive alimony support, our team can help. Call us today to work with our Raleigh, NC alimony lawyer!
Raleigh, NC Alimony Lawyer
Alimony is a type of financial support that’s paid by a higher-earning spouse to a dependent spouse following a divorce or separation. This type of payment can vary significantly from child support. Child support often follows strict state guidelines, but alimony pay can be very discretionary. This fact means that a judge can have more of a broad authority to determine if a spouse is eligible to receive alimony payments, how much they should be paid, and for how long.
Several factors can play into alimony payments, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income or earning capacity, contributions to the household, and age, health, and overall financial needs. Whether or not there was marital misconduct can also play a role. For example, if there were infidelity or abuse of some kind, a judge might be more open to enforcing alimony payments.
Since so many factors can contribute to alimony payments—which can often be subjective—working with our legal team can make a critical difference. We can start by evaluating your case and determining what are realistic alimony expectations. This process involves gathering financial documents, such as tax returns, earnings statements, and overall lifestyle costs. Whether you’re looking to reduce or avoid alimony payments altogether or if you want to receive payments, we can provide negotiations.
Settling outside of the courtroom is often the best option, even if you end up compromising. Going to trial can be more expensive, and the results can be unpredictable. However, we can represent you if going to court is deemed necessary.
Why Experience Matters For Alimony
Alimony payments aren’t always straightforward, regardless of what side you’re on, but our Raleigh alimony lawyer can make the process easier.
- Our founding attorney, Damien McKinney, has over 18 years of legal experience. It’s his goal to help his clients achieve amicable resolutions that avoid long, drawn-out legal battles.
- Damien has received several distinctions, including the Super Lawyers Distinction of Excellence in 2016. This award is granted to the top 5% of lawyers in Florida. He has years of experience representing clients throughout Florida and North Carolina.
- Stephanie Koether earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fordham University in the Bronx. Her professional involvement includes participating in the Family Law section and the Young Lawyers section.
Alimony payments can be stressful, whether you’re fighting to receive them or you’re the one needing to pay them. Help is available when you call us at The McKinney Law Group to schedule an appointment with our Raleigh alimony lawyer!