When a couple gets into a divorce proceeding, alimony is one key concern that both parties must agree on. For the uninitiated, it refers to a pre-determined amount of money awarded to a former spouse after a separation or divorce. It becomes a legal obligation where a spouse makes a payment to the other spouse in case one earns a higher income than the other. However, if both cannot arrive at an agreement, the court will determine the legal obligation outlined in a legal decree or court order.
Keep in mind that there’s what we call alimony buyout—a spousal support buyout when the payor settles the spousal support obligation in one lump sum. It becomes a more viable option for some compared to paying periodic money over a period of time. However, there are a few considerations to make when taking this option.
In this article, we will discuss the three key factors to consider when opting for an alimony lump sum:
Alimony for the long term
It’s worth knowing that the alimony agreement’s conditions will depend on how long the marriage lasted. Along with this is knowing how spousal support will impact you financially as a payor. If you prefer to take the regular payment for alimony, you must come financially ready and prepared for the future.
If your marriage lasted less than 20 years, you’d most likely use the present value formula to determine the length and amount of alimony payment. If it was over 20 years, the alimony will most likely end at your social security retirement age. A vital consideration to make is the discount rate—the assumed interest rate that will prevail in the marketplace during the term of alimony.
To avoid this complexity, settling your alimony payment through a lump sum will make a difference, particularly if you have the financial means to do so.
The plan to remarry
One of the primary reasons payors opt to pay a lump sum alimony if they already have a significant partner or have plans to remarry. This is practically a wise move if you want to free your former spouse or yourself so that you can both start over with a clean slate.
On the other hand, you will also have the assurance that there’s financial support provided to your ex-spouse. After all, you want to ensure that your partner will get by and be able to move on while you won’t be held legally liable and financially obligated.
Cutting ties
Settling for an alimony buyout can be the best option, particularly when you and your ex-spouse have a terrible ending and want to cut ties. All it takes is to pay your ex-spouse in a lump sum, and you can both go separate ways after a failed marriage. In this case, you will no longer be financially obligated to pay for alimony in the long run. You can start all over again, choose to remarry, and have a new family.
Here at Bruno & Ferraro, our family law attorneys handle divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence, and yes, alimony. If you need a highly competent and reliable lawyer to deal with your lump sum alimony, we’ve got you covered!
Conclusion
At this point, you now know what it takes to take the alimony lump sum option. However, be sure to consider three crucial factors—alimony for the long term, the plan to remarry, and cutting ties. Most importantly, you must hire and work with a highly reliable attorney who can discuss your alimony buyout option and guide you every step of the proceeding.
As a legal firm, we have a team of highly respected attorneys—from the best criminal lawyers down to the best divorce lawyers in Bergen County, NJ. If you’re looking for a lawyer to deal with your lump sum alimony, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!