If you’re headed for divorce, then you’re probably worried about what your financial positioning is going to look like when all is said and done. That’s why it’s important that you position yourself as strongly as you can during the property division process as well as in any spousal support disputes. When it comes to the latter, it’s a good idea to know what kind of spousal support is available to you so that you can argue for the type of assistance that is right for you.
West Virginia’s spousal support orders
There are four types of spousal support ordered in West Virginia. They include:
- Temporary support: This type of support is extremely limited in duration in that it only requires payment during the pendency of the divorce. It’s meant to help a receiving spouse pay bills while he or she adjusts to living on his or her own.
- Rehabilitative support: Here, a court will award support if it believes that doing so is necessary to aid one spouse in finding employment and becoming self-sufficient. Rehabilitative support is common, and it’s most often seen in situations where one spouse gave up a career to help raise a family.
- Permanent support: This type of support is ongoing and indefinite, and it is seen in very specific cases where one spouse is unable to work and become self-sufficient. Think of a long-term marriage that ends where one spouse is physically disabled.
- In gross support: This is a lump sum payment that is meant to support one spouse. It can be paid all at once or over a limited number of installment payments.
Making the arguments that best support your position
A spousal support award can go a long way toward providing you with the financial stability that you need post-divorce. But the process of obtaining it can be hard-fought. That’s why it may be in your best interests to speak with an experienced divorce attorney to figure out your best course of action.
