What documents should you keep regarding alimony payments?

On behalf of Law Office of Scott A. Levine, P.A. posted in Alimony on Tuesday, June 28, 2016.

When you’re planning to seek alimony, there are some documents that you should keep for the courts. Alimony, also known as spousal support, is not a requirement of divorce, so it’s important to have the documents you need to prove that you require spousal support following the end of your marriage.

Alimony tends to be ordered in cases where one spouse earned significantly less than the other in a long marriage or when one stays home to take care of children or the home without bringing in an income. It can be hard to rejoin the workforce after years outside it, and your potential earnings may fall; that’s why alimony is important for those individuals.

The person receiving alimony needs to keep financial documents for the court showing what each party earned. If alimony is awarded, keep the alimony you receive well documented. Keep the date that the payments are received, the amounts received and check numbers or money order IDs. This is the proof that you’ve received money; you can also show that you missed a payment by keeping these records. Keep account numbers and the name of the bank where the alimony comes from. Keep copies of the alimony and receipts for any cash in hand.

Your attorney can help you gather the right documents to negotiate for alimony in court. Once it’s awarded, make sure you keep tabs on it to make sure it’s paid as it’s meant to. If your ex-spouse does not pay, you can seek out help from the court to make sure you get what you deserve.