Financial worry can exacerbate your already strong feelings about your divorce, especially if your soon-to-be ex is the primary breadwinner in your household. If you are unsure how you will financially survive without your spouse’s income, you may be eligible for spousal maintenance to help you get back on your feet post-divorce.
Here are some things you should know about how spousal maintenance works in Kentucky.
There are a few types of spousal maintenance
There are three types of spousal maintenance in Kentucky: temporary, rehabilitative and permanent. Temporary maintenance supports one spouse during the period after separation but before the divorce is final. Rehabilitative maintenance is a short-term arrangement in which one spouse receives financial support while working toward financial independence. Permanent maintenance, while rare, awards one spouse who is unable to work due to illness, disability or other limitations with continuous monetary support.
Your circumstances affect your eligibility
Spousal maintenance is not as cut-and-dry as you may think. When awarding or denying your request for spousal maintenance, a judge weighs several factors in their decision-making. They will examine circumstances such as:
- The length of your marriage
- Your spouse’s income and earning potential
- Your income and earning potential
- The marital property you will receive in the divorce
- Your age, physical and mental health
- The amount of time you need to become financially independent and stable
If financial concerns are making your divorce more stressful, keep these facts in mind. Knowledgeable help can help you navigate the unfamiliar and challenging territory of spousal maintenance.