The way we would like to address this issue is by having each parent plan goals that inspire them. Based on the goals, we work out spousal support amounts.
For example, a parent who was supported for many years in the marriage may want to start a career or business. In that case, we can consider many options including a lump sum payment for a buy-out of support at a certain time. If income is not clear, such as in a case of a business owner, then the financial neutral can get all the data and information from both parties and provide an analysis as to how much the income could be factored. Since the financial expert is neutral, the report is not made to favor one or the other and is reliable by both parties.
The courts consider many factors in determining spousal support including age, health, ability to earn, needs, length of the marriage, whether there is an issue of domestic violence. In litigation, many times each party retains their own forensic accountant to make a report about the income of each party or cash flow in the case of a business. Then it becomes the battle of the experts. With the expense of discovery, this issue by itself can cost the family hundreds of thousands of dollars.