SPOUSAL SUPPORT ATTORNEY
IN NEWTON, KANSAS

When a couple decides to get divorced, issues of alimony often arise during divorce negotiations and need to be addressed appropriately. In a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 243,000 people received spousal support payments in 2016, of which 98% were women. If you are considering filing for divorce and would like to understand your options regarding spousal maintenance, it is critical that you consult with an experienced Kansas family law attorney for reliable legal guidance.

At Cornerstone Law, LLC, I am committed to offering comprehensive legal services and reliable guidance in matters of divorce and spousal support. As your legal counsel, I can review the unique details of your situation and help you understand all available legal options. Whether you are trying to establish spousal support arrangements or modify an existing alimony agreement, I can offer you the experienced legal counsel and advocacy you need.

My firm, Cornerstone Law, LLC, is proud to serve clients throughout Newton, Kansas, and the surrounding communities of Hillsboro, Wichita, Hutchinson, Harvey, Marion, and McPherson.

ALIMONY LAWS IN KANSAS

Alimony, often referred to as spousal maintenance, can be described as a court-ordered payment made by the higher-wage earning spouse to the lower or non-wage-earning spouse during the divorce process or for a period after the divorce has been finalized. There are three types of alimony in Kansas:

TEMPORARY ALIMONY

Kansas courts may order temporary alimony if one spouse earns more than the other spouse and can afford spousal support payments. Temporary alimony is to allow the lower-wage earner to meet financial obligations during the divorce. It ends immediately after the divorce is finalized.

SHORT-TERM SUPPORT

Short-term support or rehabilitative alimony may be awarded to a spouse who has the potential to become self-supporting or financially independent, but needs financial assistance and time to learn a skill, finish their education, or find a job.

LONG-TERM SUPPORT

Kansas courts may award long-term support if the court believes that is the only way for the spouse to survive after the divorce. Long-term support is rare and ends when the recipient remarries, or the paying spouse dies.

WHO IS ENTITLED TO ALIMONY?

In Kansas, either spouse can seek court-appointed alimony, irrespective of gender. The major requirements for any alimony case are that:

• One spouse needs financial support.

• The other spouse can afford to provide the needed financial support.

DETERMINING THE TYPE,
AMOUNT, AND DURATION

In order to determine whether maintenance is appropriate, as well as the type, amount, and duration, the court may consider the following factors:

• The length of the marriage.

• The financial resources available to each spouse.

• The standard of living that was established during the marriage.

• The age, physical health, and mental condition of each spouse.

• The contribution of either spouse to the marriage.

• The amount of time needed for the supported spouse to acquire any necessary skills, education, or training to become employed and self-supporting.

• The ability of the paying spouse to meet personal financial obligations while paying support.

HOW TO MAKE CHANGES TO AN
EXISTING ALIMONY AGREEMENT

Unless agreed otherwise by both spouses, either party can seek a modification to the support agreement. Under Kansas Statutes section 23-2903, the court will require the requesting party to demonstrate that there has been a substantial change in circumstances to you or your spouse since the last order.

UNDERSTANDING THE 121 MONTH RULE

According to Kansas Statutes section 23-2904, in any event, the court may not award maintenance for a period of time more than 121 months (10 years). However, if stated by the original motion, the judge may hear a motion to reinstate the maintenance payments.

WORK WITH A KNOWLEDGEABLE
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY

Filing for divorce in Kansas can be more complicated than you may imagine. Agreeing on a divorce settlement or establishing alimony agreements can make the entire process even more complicated. Therefore, when preparing for a divorce, it is crucial that you speak with a knowledgeable Kansas spousal support attorney immediately to receive detailed guidance on alimony arrangements.

At Cornerstone Law, LLC, I have dedicated my career to handling divorce and spousal support cases. As your attorney, I will offer you the comprehensive legal guidance and advocacy you need to establish or modify a spousal support agreement. I will review your unique situation, help you understand your possible options, and determine the best course of action.

Whether you want to create an alimony agreement or change an existing spousal support arrangement, I can offer you the experienced legal counsel and advocacy you need. I will work diligently with both parties to establish a fair settlement agreement and settle divorce issues peacefully and quickly.