The Contribution to Own Support provision determines whether the recipient is expected to contribute to their own financial support, alongside receiving spousal support from the payor. This provision ensures that the recipient is making reasonable efforts to become or remain financially self-sufficient, where applicable.

Options:

1. Yes (Default):

   • Definition: Selecting Yes means that the recipient is expected to contribute to their own financial support by seeking employment, furthering their education, or otherwise generating income, alongside receiving spousal support from the payor. This provision encourages financial independence and ensures that the recipient is not entirely reliant on spousal support.

   • When to Use: This option is typically chosen when the recipient is capable of working or improving their financial situation. It is suitable in cases where the recipient has the potential to contribute to their own support, either immediately or through retraining, education, or part-time work.

   • Example: The recipient receives spousal support but is also expected to work part-time or seek additional income opportunities to contribute to their own financial well-being.

   • Benefits: Encourages the recipient to become more self-reliant over time, promoting financial independence. It ensures that spousal support is seen as temporary assistance while the recipient works toward contributing to their own financial support. This approach is also viewed as fair to the payor, who is not solely responsible for the recipient’s financial needs.

2. No:

   • Definition: Selecting No means that the recipient is not expected to contribute to their own financial support, and the payor will bear the full responsibility for providing financial assistance. This option might be appropriate when the recipient is unable to work due to illness, disability, or other limiting factors that prevent them from generating their own income.

   • When to Use: This option should be selected when the recipient is not reasonably able to contribute to their own support, such as in cases of permanent disability, chronic illness, or when the recipient has significantly reduced earning capacity due to age or other factors.

   • Example: If the recipient is unable to work due to a severe medical condition or disability, they may rely entirely on spousal support without the expectation of contributing to their own financial support.

   • Benefits: Provides financial stability for the recipient in situations where they are genuinely unable to earn an income. This approach ensures that the recipient is adequately supported without facing the pressure to contribute to their own financial needs when they are not capable of doing so.

When to Choose Each Option:

• When to Choose Yes:

  • The recipient is capable of working, seeking part-time employment, or improving their financial situation through retraining or education.
  • The recipient has some income-generating potential, even if their earnings are significantly lower than the payor’s.
  • The recipient is expected to contribute to their own financial well-being while receiving spousal support to supplement their efforts.

• When to Choose No:

  • The recipient is unable to work due to medical conditions, disability, or other factors that limit their earning capacity.
  • The recipient has no realistic prospects of improving their financial situation through employment or education due to age, health, or other circumstances.
  • The payor assumes full responsibility for the recipient’s financial support, given the recipient’s inability to contribute.

Why This Matters:

The Contribution to Own Support provision ensures fairness and encourages financial independence where possible. Selecting Yes promotes self-sufficiency for the recipient, while selecting No provides necessary financial support in cases where the recipient is unable to contribute. This provision helps balance the financial responsibilities between both parties.