After the dissolution of a marriage, one spouse pays the other alimony. Essentially it is the splitting of marital property and liabilities at divorce, which leads to the former spouse supporting the latter in exchange for some or all of the marital home, or spousal support. What are some factors that can push a person to seek alimony? These factors include age disparity between spouses, long-term marriage, earning capacity differences between spouses, and health insurance coverage differences.
A state with no-fault divorce laws can also award alimonies as a temporary relief where there is no immediate cause for divorce, such as domestic abuse or adultery on one party’s part.
To get alimony, you might sometimes need your divorce attorney Westport ct to file for or request an alimony modification. It is still possible to reach a prenuptial agreement where the spouses agree to pay alimonies.
What goes into determining alimony amounts?
-
Length of the marriage
In determining the length of alimony, the length of the marriage and the length of time spent together will be considered. It is easier for the courts to order alimony if there has been a long-term marriage. A couple who has been together for less than 20 years is more likely not to receive alimony.
-
Cause of the dissolution
Alimony will usually not be granted in cases of infidelity. Even if there is a 20 or 30-year marriage. This is because the court feels that one party has chosen to live an immoral lifestyle which may have led. To the end of the marriage and marital relationship. If, however, the divorce was caused by a long-term separation or health issues and not because of cheating, alimonies can be awarded.
-
The health of the parties
The health of the parties also plays a major role. If both parties are in good health, then alimonies usually is not awarded. But many judges do award alimony to older spouses with children, as these actors normally want to retire and would. Not want to be forced out of their retirement home or assisted living facility.
-
Occupation and sources of income of the parties
To determine the number of alimonies, courts typically look at the income of both parties and which party has more income. Generally, it does not matter if one spouse earns more or less than the other. But what matters is how much of each person’s income comes from alimony.
