When you are working toward a final alimony settlement, there are many things that you might consider. What happens if you were a wife who stayed at home with her children instead of finishing college, essentially putting some of your dreams on hold? What if your husband was attending a full-time job and now you wonder how you will be able to support yourself? These are some of the common things you may think about in divorce. But have you ever considered health insurance, and the fact that it may be possible to include it in alimony?
Alimony can actually be included in an alimony settlement, in many cases. Let’s say that you are a spouse who was previously supported by your spouse and financially dependent on them. If you were dependent on your spouse’s medical insurance during your marriage and now have no means to acquire it yourself, you may be able to ask that you be provided health insurance in the future until you reach that stability. But what rules does this follow?
The Rules
In many states as a general statement, the other spouse will usually be responsible for coverage if you are not able to acquire health insurance by yourself. This usually becomes a matter of alimony because alimony is essentially meant to help you maintain a specific lifestyle even after divorce. Health insurance is sometimes seen as a “loss of income” since it is usually out of pocket, especially to somebody who now finds themselves in a situation where they do not have a job that provides it.
The courts look at it this way: You, the supported spouse, may be able to provide insurance for yourself in the future. But this is the now, and you may struggle to find a way at first. This is why you will have a way to stay on your spouse’s insurance until your coverage expires within a few years. If you are considering divorce, you may have thought about the issue of health insurance and what you will do. Luckily, we understand what you can qualify for based on the rules of the state. Call us to speak with us about what you can ask for in alimony and how it will help you.