Alimony is a form of financial support provided by one spouse to the other after a divorce or separation. It is meant to help the supported spouse maintain the same standard of living they experienced during the marriage. However, not everyone who applies for alimony is eligible to receive it. In this blog post, we will explore the factors that can disqualify you from receiving alimony payments in Utah.
Actions and Factors That Can Disqualify You From Receiving Alimony in Utah
There are several actions and factors that can disqualify you from receiving alimony after a divorce or separation in Utah, including:
- Cohabitation – One of the most common reasons why a person may be disqualified from receiving alimony is cohabitation. Cohabitation refers to living with a partner or significant other in a romantic or sexual relationship. If your ex-spouse can prove that you are cohabiting with someone else, you may not be eligible to receive alimony. Cohabitation implies that you no longer have a need for financial support.
- Remarriage – If you remarry, you will not be eligible for alimony payments. This is because your new spouse is expected to provide financial support for you, and the court will assume that your need for alimony has been met. However, it’s important to note that some divorce settlement agreements may provide for continued alimony payments even after remarriage. This is something that should be discussed and agreed upon during the divorce proceedings.
- Financial Independence – If you have become financially independent and no longer need financial support from your ex-spouse, you may not be eligible for alimony. For example, if you have secured a high-paying job or inherited a significant amount of money, you will likely be viewed as financially independent and not in need of alimony.
- Criminal Conduct – If you have committed a crime that resulted in your ex-spouse suffering financial harm, you may be disqualified from receiving alimony. For example, if you stole money from your ex-spouse during the divorce proceedings or were convicted of embezzlement, the court may view you as not deserving of financial support.
- Duration of the Marriage – The length of your marriage can also impact your eligibility for alimony. In general, the longer your marriage, the greater your chances of receiving alimony. However, if your marriage was particularly short, you may be ineligible for alimony altogether. Also, if you’ve been divorced for a long time, you may not be able to seek alimony at all.
It’s important to understand these factors and work with your divorce attorney to negotiate a fair and reasonable divorce settlement. If you are seeking alimony, it’s essential to provide the court with accurate and honest information about your financial situation and needs. With the help of an experienced divorce lawyer, you can navigate these complex issues and secure the financial support you deserve.
Need help with alimony in Utah? Give Nelson, Taylor & Associates a call at (801) 901-7046 or reach out to us online today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced divorce attorneys in Salt Lake City.
