Alimony Lawyers for Immigrants in Arapahoe County, CO, Simplifying Life for Our Clients
Divorce is hard enough on its own, but if you are an immigrant going through a divorce, the process can be even more complicated. In addition to the usual challenges of ending a marriage, you may also have to deal with language barriers, cultural differences, and the stress of possible changes in your status.
At McGuire Law, our experienced alimony lawyers understand the unique challenges that immigrants face when they are going through a divorce. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you navigate the legal system so that you can move on with your life. Get in contact with our experienced family law immigration lawyers today at (720) 922-2988 to learn more about your options.
What is Alimony?
Alimony is a type of financial support that is typically ordered by the court for one spouse to pay to the other following a divorce. Alimony can be paid in a lump sum or in periodic payments and usually lasts for a set period of time. The purpose of alimony is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain their standard of living after divorce.
In the United States, federal law does not dictate how alimony should be awarded, so it is up to each state to set its own guidelines. As a result, there is considerable variation from state to state in terms of how alimony is calculated and awarded.
Generally speaking, there are four main types of alimony that may be ordered by the court:
Bridge-the-gap alimony: This type of alimony is designed to help the lower-earning spouse cover immediate, one-time costs after divorce. Bridge-the-gap alimony is typically only ordered for a short period of time, not exceeding two years.
Rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is intended to help the lower-earning spouse gain the education or training necessary to reenter the workforce. This type of alimony is typically ordered for a set period of time and will end when the recipient has completed their educational or training program.
Permanent alimony: Permanent alimony is typically only ordered in cases of long-term marriages (20 years or more) where one spouse has been out of the workforce for an extended period of time. Permanent alimony will continue until the recipient remarries or either spouse dies.
Lump-sum alimony: Lump-sum alimony is a single, upfront payment made by one spouse to the other. Lump-sum alimony is typically only ordered in cases where the paying spouse has the ability to make a large, one-time payment.
How is Alimony Determined in Colorado?
When making decisions about alimony, courts will typically consider a number of factors, including but not limited to:
- The length of the marriage
- The earning capacity of each spouse
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Each spouse’s age and health
- The ability of each spouse to find gainful employment
- The financial needs and resources of each spouse
- The tax consequences of alimony payments
For immigrants, there are a few additional considerations that may come into play when determining alimony. One is the length of time the immigrant has been in the United States. If the immigrant spouse has only been in the country for a short period of time, they may not have established enough financial history to warrant alimony payments.
Another consideration is whether or not the immigrant spouse is a legal permanent resident or has citizenship status. If the immigrant spouse is undocumented, they may or may not be ineligible for alimony altogether.
Why Should I Hire an Alimony Lawyer for Immigrants?
If you are an immigrant who is seeking alimony payments from your spouse, you may be wondering if you need to hire an alimony lawyer. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the circumstances of your case. However, in many cases, it can be helpful to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can guide you through the process and help you obtain the best possible outcome.
If you are not familiar with the U.S. legal system, it can be difficult to know how to proceed with your case. An experienced alimony lawyer can help you understand the process and ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your rights.
In order to prove your case, you will need to gather evidence to support your claims. An experienced lawyer can help you collect the necessary evidence and build a strong case in support of your claim for alimony.
If you are able to reach an agreement with your spouse on alimony payments, it is important to have a lawyer review the settlement agreement to ensure that it is fair and equitable. An experienced lawyer can also help you negotiate a higher amount of alimony if appropriate.
Contact McGuire Law Today to Secure Your Family’s Future
Divorce is hard enough on its own, but when you factor in immigration status, the process can become even more complicated and stressful. If you are an immigrant going through a divorce, it is important to understand your rights and options when it comes to alimony.
At McGuire Law, our team of experienced divorce and family law attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of divorce while protecting your rights as an immigrant. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the fair and just outcome you deserve. For an initial consultation, call (720) 922-2988 to speak to our team today!