Category Archives: Alimony

Your Ex’s Family Has Money. Will You Still Need to Pay Alimony?

A common question that comes up in family law practice is what happens when someone who comes from a modest background “marries into money” and then gets divorced. Specifically, if one spouse comes from a rich family, does that mean that he or she will never be entitled to alimony payments? While your soon-to-be ex’s… Read More »

New York Courts are Giving Out More Maintenance Than the Law Ever Intended

In June 2015, maintenance law was changed in New York State when the Senate passed new legislation that set forth a statutory formula to determine the duration and amount of spousal maintenance to be paid by the higher income spouse to the lower income spouse upon divorce. This law, which would apply to divorces filed… Read More »

Can You Afford to Get Divorced?

Money is one of the most common reasons couples get divorced in America. One spouse may be a spender while the other wants to save, causing serious tensions as time goes on. Ironically, while money can drive couples apart, it can also be the thing that prevents them from going their separate ways. That’s because… Read More »

What You Should Know About Alimony and Taxes

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law in December 2017, changed the way alimony payments are taxed for some people. The way tax rules apply to your alimony depends on when you were divorced. Here’s a quick overview of what you should know. Changes to the system The legislation eliminated alimony tax deductions… Read More »

Types of Alimony Arrangements

If a court awards alimony to you or your spouse in your divorce, there are several types of alimony awards the court may choose. It is important to know the terms of your alimony arrangement so you can plan accordingly. Here are some examples of these types of alimony. Bridge the gap alimony: This is… Read More »

Living With Your Girlfriend/Boyfriend and Plan to Marry? Why You Need a Co-Habitation Agreement

IF YOU ARE LIVING WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND OR BOYFRIEND, AND LATER MARRY THEM, YOU NEED A CO-HABITATION AGREEMENT OR YOU MAY BE PAYING MAINTENANCE (f/k/a “ALIMONY”) FROM THE DAY THEY MOVED IN WITH YOU. THEY CAN ALSO HAVE YOU THROWN OUT OF YOUR OWN HOME. The most recent changes to New York State Family Court… Read More »

Dealing With Child Support and Alimony Struggles During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has left many Americans out of work. Many have filed for unemployment benefits but are experiencing extremely long wait times. Others may have stimulus money coming their way, but for those who do not get direct deposit, there have been reported delays with checks being issued that may… Read More »

What You Should Know About Divorce, Alimony and Taxes

The overhauls to the tax system that went into effect last year have made matters a bit more complicated for divorcing spouses. Under the new system, alimony payments are no longer tax deductible for the person paying them, and are no longer considered taxable income for the person receiving them, which reverses a practice that… Read More »

Who You Decide to Marry is the Most Important Business Decision of Your Life

Whether or not to marry is a huge decision. The person you choose to marry will most certainly affect your career and wealth. Maintenance (formerly alimony in New York) takes into consideration how one spouse may have affected the other spouse’s career. If one spouse withdraws from the workforce to care for young children and… Read More »

Finalize Your Divorce by New Year’s Eve or Pay 30 Percent More in Alimony!

Last year’s federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may have had corporate executives cheering, but the same can’t be said for people about to divorce. As an article this summer in Forbes explains, the act means divorce is likely to get much more expensive once the clock strikes midnight, ushering in 2019. If you don’t… Read More »