Divorce is tough. Add student loans to the mix, and you’ve got a real headache. Many couples split up with a mountain of education debt between them. So, how does this debt affect spousal support?
When loans and alimony collide
Courts don’t ignore student loans when determining spousal support. They see them as part of the big picture, and these loans can change how much support someone pays or gets.
If you’re supposed to pay support, your student loan bills might mean you have less to give. But if you’re getting support, your loans could mean you need more help to stay afloat.
How California handles student debt in divorce
In the Golden State, judges look at student loans from all angles:
- Did you take out the loan before or after you got married?
- Who got the degree? Did it help your family?
- How did you handle money while you were married?
- How much can each of you earn now?
Judges try to split things somewhat, but that doesn’t always mean right down the middle. They look at your specific situation to find the best solution.
How loans affect support over time
Student debt can change your support plan for years to come. You might see:
- Smaller support checks because there’s less money to go around
- Support payments lasting longer to help cover loan payments
- Changes to support orders as loan situations shift
Lawyers often need to step in to make sense of it all. Specifically, family lawyers step up so that a spouse in need of support gets as much as they truly need. They also help ensure the supporting spouse isn’t financially abused.
Every divorce with student loans is its own puzzle. Figuring out how loans and support fit together can be overwhelming. If you’re stuck in this situation, don’t do it alone.
Remember, getting help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a smart move to protect your future.
