My Civil Advocate

Following a divorce (and sometimes preceding one), alimony may be awarded to a spouse, depending on the circumstances. Alimony is designed so the recipient can maintain a lifestyle reasonably comparable to the lifestyle reasonably comparable to the lifestyle they were accustomed to while married. Alimony comes in a number of forms: Permanent alimony can only be terminated upon the death of either spouse, or if the supported spouse remarries. The amount of alimony paid can be adjusted based on a significant change of circumstances - for example, the financial  situation of one or the other spouse has changed or supported spouse cohabits with another man/woman for a specified period of time. Permanent alimony is generally geared to those who had long-term marriages (10 or more years). If the marriage was too brief for permanent alimony, the court might award limited duration alimony , which is similar in principle to permanent alimony but has a fixed start and end date determined i...

Domestic violence intrudes on the lives of approximately 4 million people each year, 95 percent of whom are women. Children, other relatives, friends, and employers suffer the ripple effects as well. Protect your and your children's lives and well-being when the threat of violence and abuse looms by calling the police if necessary. Then immediately contact a domestic violence relief agency for direction to a safe shelter. If divorce is an option you want to pursue, be aware that domestic violence changes the entire equation. In divorce proceedings devoid of violence, just up and leaving with the children in tow without what the court considers a good reason may negatively impact alimony payments and the ability to return to the house until property is divided by the court. When domestic violence is in play, however, safety is an overwhelming objective. Leave for a safe haven; focus on legal matters when you are safely situated. A court order may be obtained on the fast track ...