Receiving a court order to pay alimony might throw a wrench in your finances. Juggling the adjustment to a single income on top of divorce-related expenses is not for the faint of heart.
Proactively adjusting your budget can help you to prevent the legal repercussions of not paying.
Negotiation
The negotiation process of calculating alimony plays a significant role in determining what you owe. Prior to negotiations, try to familiarize yourself with your spouse’s resources. If you know that he or she has recently started a new job, received a promotion or planned to acquire an inheritance, you may have some leverage for negotiating the amount of money the opposing side asks you to pay.
Mediation is another resource that could make your situation more favorable. If you and your spouse can work out an amicable settlement, you may not need to pay alimony at all.
Modification
There is always a possibility that unexpected financial issues prevent you from having the funds to pay alimony. Under these circumstances, immediately notify the court and request a modification. Taking responsibility may prevent legal backlash from complicating your situation. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service reminds you that you cannot deduct alimony payments from your taxes.
If you feel that your spouse will eventually no longer need alimony, you can try to negotiate a clause that negates the agreement once you reach that point. You can always petition the court for a modification, especially if you feel that your spouse no longer needs the money you pay. Working with an attorney can help you carefully assess a strategy for proposing a reasonable payment.
