Understanding Spousal Support In Indiana

Last updated on September 16, 2024

Spousal support is intended to provide financial assistance directly to a person’s former spouse after the divorce. It is known as alimony in some states, but Indiana uses the term “spousal maintenance.” Similarly to a child support order, the court can issue an order stating how those monthly payments should be made, and both people are bound to follow the order. This can be a point of contention, so it is important to understand how the process works.

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Three Types Of Spousal Support

There are three main reasons why the court would issue a spousal support order, which are as follows:

• The spouse cannot immediately get a job and needs support while doing so.
• The spouse is taking care of a child who has been incapacitated.
• The spouse has been incapacitated and needs support.

Often, the court considers income differences between both people. For instance, one spouse may have expected to be financially supported, so they dropped out of the workforce to raise the kids. They need more training or education after the divorce before they can enter the workforce again, so they get spousal support until that time since they have no income.

How Is Spousal Support Calculated, And How Long Does It Last?

There are child support calculators in Indiana, but there is no spousal support calculator. The court considers each case on its own merits. They may look at factors like each party’s post-divorce income levels, expected standards of living, future career prospects, childcare obligations and more.

As far as how long spousal support lasts, each case is unique. The court typically will not award spousal support without choosing an end date, so it does not last indefinitely. The support order will state exactly when it ends, whether that means paying for 12 months or five years – or another duration entirely.

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