Des Moines Alimony Attorneys

Proven Representation in Alimony Cases

Is alimony an issue between you and your divorcing spouse? Are you in need of fair spousal support in order to be able to transition through this difficult time? On the other hand, as the supporting spouse, perhaps you feel you are being taken advantage of by overpaying what you believe to be fair. Either way, alimony can become a hotly disputed matter during or after a divorce if the two parties cannot agree.

To avoid or resolve problems concerning alimony, it is best to have the representation of a highly qualified divorce attorney. At Hope Law Firm, we have concentrated primarily on family law for many years, bringing our team’s 75 years of combined legal experience to clients in and around the area.

When you bring your case to us, you can be assured that one of our Des Moines alimony lawyers will provide aggressive legal representation throughout negotiations or in the courtroom. Our goal is to meet your needs and seek a favorable result while protecting your rights.

Alimony in Iowa

In many marriages, alimony (also known as spousal support) is ordered to maintain financial stability for the party with the lesser earning capacity. Alimony is separate from that of child support, which is also awarded by the court.

Iowa awards three different types of alimony based on the circumstances of the marriage.

The Iowa alimony categories include:

• Traditional, for those marriages in which only one spouse worked and provided the bulk of the financial support for the family. It may be payable for life.
• Rehabilitative, which is designed to enable the supported spouse to become educated or trained in order to return to the workforce. It is awarded for a short duration.
• Reimbursement, which is awarded in short-duration marriages in which one spouse enabled the other to be educated or trained for career purposes.

How Is Alimony Calculated in Iowa?

There is no mathematical formula used to calculate alimony in Iowa; instead, the amount and duration of alimony is awarded at the discretion of the judge, whowill consider many factors when determining alimony, such as:

• the length of the marriage;
• the standard of living during the marriage;
• the ages and health of both spouses;
• the level of education or training or earning potential for the petitioning spouse;
• whether the receiving spouse is responsible for the couple's children; and more.

Can Alimony Be Modified in Iowa?

Alimony payments may be modified if either party is able to demonstrate a “substantial change in circumstances,” which may include:

• a change in employment or income;
• the receipt of an inheritance or pension;
• a change in the number or needs of dependents;
• a remarriage for either spouse.

Is Alimony Paid for Life?

Traditional alimony may be paid for life if the receiving spouse is unable to become financially independent due to age, illness, or other circumstances which may make it difficult for him or her to find gainful employment. However, the alimony payments may be modified due to significant changes in either parties' life and will likely end if the paying spouse dies or if the supported spouse remarries.

Get Help from a Des Moines Alimony Attorney

We understand how difficult and sensitive divorce issues can be for you and your family. Our Des Moines alimony lawyers are very adept at handling alimony as well as all other aspects of divorce. We will always listen carefully and respond to your concerns as we support you throughout the legal process.