Find out what kind of financial burden you may be looking at for alimony costs. Learn about average alimony costs in Nebraska and how much you might spend.
In the U.S., 40 to 50% of couples get divorced. And if you’re reading this, you may be one of them. One thing you may not know is the cost of alimony.
We’ll go over what alimony is and what to expect if you’re required to pay it in Nebraska. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to how much alimony costs, but with more information, you’ll be better prepared for it.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony is a payment, or a series of payments, given to a spouse or ex-spouse as required by the court after a divorce. The payments are based on several factors, including how long the couple was together, their financial status and whether children are involved.
Since alimony typically is court-ordered, you must make the payment whether or not you feel your spouse deserves it. Failure to pay has legal consequences.
How the Court Decides Alimony
The Internet is rife with child support calculators to estimate how much you’ll pay. But it doesn’t have as many alimony calculators, in part because alimony is very subjective.
There are many things a judge considers when deciding to award alimony. You and your lawyer can go over those factors together. But in the end, it’s impossible to predict what the judge will order with 100% accuracy.
How Can I Estimate How Much I Might Pay?
You can get an idea of what you might pay from the income disparity between you and your spouse. The judge will look at your lifestyle, or the standard of living the two of you shared.
If you add both your incomes and divide it by two, that’s about how much each should receive monthly. So the higher paid spouse pays the difference between the two salaries each month. Learn more about who pays alimony.
This gives you just a broad idea of how much you might have to pay your ex after a divorce.
Other Factors Can Influence the Judge
Yes. Factors such as how many children you have, how long you were married and any other money or assets you or your spouse possess will also play into how much you will pay each month.
A Nebraska judge will have the information of all of your assets, as well as salaries, and will make a determination based on that.
You can face jail time or other serious consequences if you refuse to pay court-ordered alimony.
Differences Between Alimony and Child Support
Alimony is the amount of money your spouse receives or pays to assure you both can afford to continue the lifestyle separately that you had together. While you may get alimony confused with child support, they’re not the same and require different hearings.
Child support is paid by the parent who does not have primary custody of a child who is legally theirs. This parent pays a supplement to assure the child’s needs are met. This may include ensuring after-school activities are paid for, childcare costs are met and ensuring the house the child lives in is safe.
Child support can also be granted to couples who have 50/50 custody. However, alimony is not the same as child support. Child support, if you’re required to pay it, will be calculated differently on a separate date.
How Much Alimony Might I Have to Pay?
If you just started the divorce process, it is important you confer with a lawyer who will represent your interests. The lawyer can help you figure out how much alimony you may have to pay, as well as be an advocate to assure what you receive is fair.
Getting a divorce can be time-consuming and expensive, but it is important you have a competent divorce lawyer representing you and your interests. Otherwise, you may end up having to pay an unfair amount of alimony or child support.
However, even if an amount of alimony or child support seems unfair, the judge and lawyers will apply the law. While you may be able to contest the amounts later, their initial decisions comply with Nebraska law.
What’s My Next Step?
Alimony calculations can be stressful. But you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re unsure what will happen to your money once you and your spouse split up, make an appointment with a lawyer.
With the help of a competent lawyer, you’ll make the journey into the unknown with confidence instead of fear.
If you’re in Nebraska and want to speak to a lawyer about alimony, you can call us immediately at (402) 415-2525. We’re here to help!
