How to Pay Alimony

Paying alimony helps the former spouse who needs money for her education, health reasons, financial support and so forth. It is a part of the agreement when the marriage began, and the amount of alimony depends on if the marriage lasted for more than 3 years. Each state has a different law, but for the most part, the law is that whoever needs it the most will receive alimony.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Lawyer
• Divorce papers

1. Divorce your spouse. Without a divorce, there is no need for alimony to be paid or earned. Even if you are separated, no alimony will be distributed.

2. Talk to your lawyer. Ask about the laws of your state and what is required of you. Discuss if there is a need for you to have to pay alimony.

3. Determine who needs to pay and who will receive alimony. This is usually done based on several factors, including length of marriage, financial situation (who is working or who makes more money), age and health, among other things.

4. Go to court or meet with your attorney and your spouse's attorney. Determine how much you will need to pay your former spouse. This can be decided based on whether or not the spouse is working, for example. You will also decide on assets, which can factor in on how much alimony will be paid.

5. Sign the divorce papers. This will include the agreed amount of how much and for how long you will pay for alimony.

6. Claim the alimony on your taxes. Keep meticulous records of all payments made. Your former spouse will have to claim any alimony received as extra income on her tax return.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure everything is agreed upon, and don't sign anything you don't agree to.

• Once papers are signed for an agreed amount, be sure to pay, or you could go to jail or face heavy fines.