How to Receive Alimony or Spousal Support Before Your Divorce

You can ask for spousal support in family court before you even file for divorce. You can also ask the divorce court for temporary alimony while your divorce case is being heard.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand that in most states your spouse has an obligation to support you, just as he or she has an obligation to support your children.

2. Talk to a lawyer or read a book to more fully understand your state's laws.

3. Go to your local family court if you have not yet initiated divorce proceedings. Tell the court personnel that you want to file for spousal support.

4. Fill out the paperwork.

5. Be prepared to explain to the court why your spouse should support you. You will need to show that your spouse supported you in the past and has stopped doing so. You also will need to prove that you cannot adequately support yourself.

6. Request temporary alimony from the court if you or your spouse has already filed for divorce. Again, you will need to show the court that your spouse supported you until recently and that you cannot support yourself.

7. Have household bills as well as proof of any income you earn ready to show the court.

8. Hire an attorney if your spouse hires one. Ask about having the court order your spouse to pay the attorney's fees.

Tips & Warnings

• Be reasonable in the amount you ask for. If your spouse earns $400 a week, don't ask for $300 a week. The court wants both you and your spouse to have enough money to live on.