Alimony

Spousal support, or alimony, is financial support that one spouse provides to another upon divorce. The court may award alimony or the parties may agree upon it themselves.

What Factors Does a Court Consider for a Spousal Support Award?

Courts look to several factors in determining whether alimony is appropriate, how much it should be and how long it should last. An award is more likely if one party makes a substantial income and has more property than the other spouse. The court will consider:

• Whether a premarital agreement exists as to alimony
• The standard of living during the marriage
• The education, health, financial status, emotional state and ability of a spouse to support himself or herself
• The length of the parties' marriage
• Time needed for a spouse to seek additional education or training to become financially self-sufficient
• Whether the paying spouse would be able to financially support himself or herself and the former spouse
• Presence of minor children at home
• Fault (in some states)