Can You Receive Financial Support from Your Spouse While Your Divorce is Pending?

Divorce is full of unknowns, and facing a divorce is extremely stressful. It’s difficult to predict from the outset exactly how long your divorce proceedings will take, and even reasonably friendly divorces sometimes morph into contentiousness. In the State of North Dakota, the court – if it deems it appropriate – can award you temporary financial support during the pendency of your divorce process. If you are eligible, in other words, you won’t have to face the divorce proceedings ahead with absolutely no idea how you are going to support yourself in the process. If you’re looking at a divorce, it’s time to consult with an experienced North Dakota family law attorney.

Spousal support (sometimes called alimony) refers to a regular payment that one spouse makes to the other during the divorce proceedings and/or after the divorce is finalized.

Qualifying for Temporary Spousal Support 

The State of North Dakota has no set calculation for determining spousal support, and support can be awarded to either spouse – depending upon the circumstances involved. In making its calculations regarding support, the court will consider a variety of circumstances, including:

• The respective ages of the parties
• Their earning ability
• The duration of the marriage
• The conduct of the parties during the marriage
• The parties’ station in life
• The circumstances and necessities of each
• The parties’ health and physical condition
• The financial circumstances of the parties
• And such other matter as may be material
• Your spouse’s health status and age

Your Eligibility

Determining if you are eligible for spousal support, either temporary or on a permanent basis is complicated. To better understand your options, consult with a skilled Fargo family law attorney today. Temporary spousal support can mean the difference between having the financial resources to protect your rights during your divorce proceedings and not having the resources to do so.

Every divorce follows its own unique path, and some take much longer than others. The experienced legal team at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys in Fargo is dedicated to aggressively advocating for and can advise you about your specific case and if financial support from your spouse may be appropriate. For more information, please email experienced family law attorney, Tracy Lyson, or call her at 701-235-8000 or 877-235-8002 (toll-free) today.