Essential documents to keep regarding spousal support

It is good to keep some important records regarding alimony such as the dispersal and acceptance of spousal support. While spousal support is not always required, it is very common for judges to issue judgments for spousal support, depending on the case. There are cases, for example, where a parent may need to quit working to care for the children. Such circumstances may qualify for alimony.  But it is important that you keep records of every spousal support payment. This can be very beneficial for couples facing a contested divorce.  Ask a Camarillo spousal support attorney about your alimony options in a divorce.

Sometimes the IRS looks into the amount of spousal support provided so it is important to keep documents that prove the payments were sent and accepted by the recipient. If you are the primary breadwinner and the person providing alimony and you don’t have documentation that proves how much money you have been sending your former spouse, you may have to send those payments again and lose tax deduction for the amount of spousal support already sent.

Some documents to keep if you are the payer

The individual providing spousal support should keep documents such as:

• A list that proves when each payment was sent with details such as check number, mailing address, a copy of the check, and so on.
• Make sure you write on the check what month is supposed to be covered by this specific payment.
• Keep receipts for cash alimony and ask your former spouse to sign them.

You should keep these records for 3 years, just in case of a tax audit. Some legal advisors suggest you never destroy these records as they can be useful if your former spouse ever decides to challenge you in a family court.

What you should keep if you are the recipient

If your former spouse is sending you alimony payments, keep a list of all the payments received. You should also include:

• The date alimony payments were received
• The specific amount of spousal support received
• Check number or money order number
• Account number and name of the bank
• Copy of payment (check, money order, cash receipt, transfer, etc)

The receiver should also keep this important documentation for at least 3 years. You can use these records to challenge your former spouse if he or she stopped making spousal support payments. You can request that your ex-continues providing alimony as established in the divorce agreement.

Having alimony issues?

If you are having problems involving spousal support, the court will consider a few things when granting alimony. This is why you need to ask an experienced divorce attorney familiar with this area of law. Don’t make any promises or sign any documents without first consulting your attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Stephanie L. Mahdavi today. We will take a look at your circumstances and determine the best course of action.