TUSCALOOSA SPOUSAL SUPPORT LAWYER

Family law matters encompass some of the most challenging, emotionally-charged situations clients can face. When you are involved in a family law case, you need a calm, experienced attorney on your side. 

Tuscaloosa County Spousal Support & Alimoney Lawyer Serving Clients throughout Pickens County, Bibb County and Fayette County


Spousal Maintenance & Alimony Attorney in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama

Understanding Alimony in Alabama

Alimony, also known as spousal maintenance or spousal support, is financial support paid by one spouse to another following a divorce. In Tuscaloosa County and throughout Alabama, courts have significant discretion in determining whether to award alimony, how much to award, and for how long payments should continue.


Types of Alimony in Alabama

Interim Alimony (Pendente Lite)

This temporary form of support is paid during divorce proceedings to help maintain the receiving spouse's standard of living until the divorce is finalized. The court considers immediate financial needs and the paying spouse's ability to provide support.

Periodic Alimony

  • Payments made on a continuing basis after divorce
  • Can be modified based on changed circumstances
  • Typically terminates upon death or remarriage of the receiving spouse
  • Maybe rehabilitative in nature to help the receiving spouse become self-supporting

Rehabilitative Alimony

  • Temporary support to help the receiving spouse gain education or job skills
  • Usually has a predetermined end date
  • Designed to help the receiving spouse become financially independent
  • Common in cases where one spouse left the workforce to care for children

Alimony in Gross

  • One-time lump sum payment or fixed series of payments
  • Cannot be modified once ordered
  • Survives the death or remarriage of either party
  • Often used as part of property settlement


Factors Courts Consider When Awarding Alimony


Alabama courts evaluate numerous factors when determining alimony awards:

Financial Considerations

  • Length of the marriage
  • Standard of living established during marriage
  • Each spouse's income and earning capacity
  • Each spouse's separate assets and debts
  • Retirement benefits and accounts
  • Tax implications of support payments
  • Property division in the divorce settlement


Personal Factors

  • Age and health of both parties
  • Educational background of each spouse
  • Employment history and future job prospects
  • Time needed for education or training to become self-sufficient
  • Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking)
  • Child custody arrangements and related responsibilities


Conduct and Fault

  • While Alabama is a no-fault divorce state, courts may consider:
  • Adultery
  • Domestic violence
  • Criminal activity
  • Substance abuse
  • Other misconduct affecting the marriage


Modifying Alimony


Grounds for Modification

Periodic alimony may be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances:

  • Significant increase or decrease in income
  • Job loss or disability
  • Serious illness requiring extensive medical care
  • Retirement
  • Cohabitation of receiving spouse with romantic partner


Requirements for Modification

  • Must show material change in circumstances
  • Change must be substantial and continuing
  • Change must be unforeseen at time of original order
  • Must file petition for modification with proper documentation


Termination of Alimony

Alimony payments typically end when:

  • Receiving spouse remarries
  • Receiving spouse cohabitates with a romantic partner
  • Either spouse dies
  • The term of rehabilitative alimony expires
  • Court orders termination based on changed circumstances


Why You Need an Attorney

Alimony determinations can significantly impact your financial future. An experienced family law attorney can:

  • Evaluate your eligibility for alimony
  • Calculate appropriate payment amounts
  • Gather necessary financial documentation
  • Present compelling arguments to the court
  • Negotiate favorable settlement terms
  • Handle modification requests
  • Enforce existing alimony orders


Protecting Your Rights

Whether you expect to pay or receive alimony, protecting your financial interests is crucial. Our experienced family law attorneys can:

  • Review your financial situation
  • Explain your legal rights and obligations
  • Develop effective negotiation strategies
  • Present your case effectively to the court
  • Ensure fair consideration of all relevant factors
  • Handle appeals if necessary


Enforcement of Alimony Orders

If your ex-spouse fails to pay court-ordered alimony, we can help with enforcement through:

  • Income withholding orders
  • Contempt of court proceedings
  • Property liens
  • Seizure of assets
  • Garnishment of wages
  • Collection of arrears


Contact Our Tuscaloosa County Alimony Attorney

Understanding your rights regarding alimony is crucial for protecting your financial future. Our experienced family law attorneys can guide you through the process and fight for your interests. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discuss your alimony concerns.



How I Can Help

Family law matters can be complicated, and the stakes are often high in a divorce. Don’t leave the outcome of your case to chance. Contact the Law Office of Laura Segers Fikes today to make an appointment with a seasoned Tuscaloosa Divorce Lawyer.

Schedule a Consultation