Association of Divorce Financial Planners

The Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Web site: www.nasbatools.com.

The Basics of Spousal Support

Today spousal support is somewhat of a rare thing. Many people believe it is assumed, but nearly one out of six divorce cases even consider it as an option.

In the past the wife was almost always the recipient, but the courts no longer view gender as a consideration. In most states marital conduct is also not a consideration. It is purely a decision made due to the economic consequences of each spouse. If an agreement between spouses is reached, the court will give it significant consideration.

Here are some of the general factors considered:

The ability and time for each spouse to gain employment
The employability of each spouse
The future earning capabilities of each spouse
Who will have custody of the child (will the custodial parent be required to work)
The length of marriage
The ability for one spouse to pay the other
The tax consequences of each spouse
The age of each spouse
The length of time support will be needed

There are basic requirements for support to qualify as alimony under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Support that is considered alimony is recognized as income therefore must taken into account when filing federal income tax. Typically, the spouse who pays support may deduct the payments as an expense. There are basic requirements for support to qualify as alimony under the Tax Reform Act of 1986.

Federal legislation now requires most companies that provide employer-sponsored group health plans to give divorced spouses the same group rate for up to three years.

Return to the Spousal Support Page

The ADFP does not endorse, support or recommend specific members. It is your responsibility to carefully research, interview and identify competent and trustworthy professionals before you hire one. All ADFP members are independent practitioners and most are certified, licensed and/or approved by a recognized Board, Agency or State Licensing Authority. This information is provided to the ADFP by each member annually and the ADFP does not validate member credentials. You should verify such credentials with the appropriate granting authorities, including but not limited to public, private, and state licensing boards. As independent practitioners, each member maintains his/her own fee schedule, business practice, location, and credentials. Practitioners listed on this website are current, paid-in-full ADFP members, in good standing. If a divorce practitioner is not listed on this website, please contact the ADFP directly to confirm his/her membership in the ADFP at 1-888-838-7773 or by contacting the president directly.

Because of the possible unanticipated changes in governing statutes and case law relating to the application of the information contained on this website, the authors and creators and any and all persons or entities involved in any way in preparation of the website disclaim all responsibility for the legal effects or consequences of the interpretation of the information provided. Individuals intending to use divorceandfinance.org as an information resource should seek advice from family law professionals and experts. This website was not created and made available with the intention that it be used to procure aid in any legal matters in any jurisdiction.