Divorce can foster both stress and uncertainty. After all, not only must you deal with the emotions that often accompany the end of a marriage, but you must also plan for your post-divorce financial future. If you plan to pursue spousal support, though, you may have an easier path.
In California, a divorced spouse may make monthly alimony payments or may negotiate a single lump-sum disbursement. Because there are both advantages and drawbacks with a one-time payment, you should be certain you make the best possible decision for your financial situation. Nevertheless, here are four reasons you may want to consider taking a lump-sum alimony payment.
- Your ex-spouse may stop paying
Economic conditions frequently change. If your spouse loses a job, he or she may ask a judge to lower monthly support obligations. Furthermore, your former partner may become incapable of working because of a medical condition or injury.
- You may decide to remarry
If you plan to look for love again, you may eventually want to remarry. Doing so, though, probably ends your former spouse’s monthly alimony obligations.
- Your career may take off
Focusing on your career may be an effective way to move forward after your divorce. Of course, if you begin to earn substantially more, your ex-spouse may ask a judge to reduce or eliminate the alimony you receive.
- You may keep your home
Because coming up with cash to make a lump-sum alimony payment can be challenging, you can likely use assets as leverage. For example, your spouse may agree to surrender his or her homeownership interest to satisfy a one-time spousal support obligation.
There is no such thing as a standard divorce. You and your partner are different from other couples, so you must decide what is best for your situation. Still, for a few different reasons, considering a lump-sum alimony payment may make sense.