top of page

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support is part of property division in a divorce, and the couple can often reach an agreement without court intervention. If you and your spouse cannot agree, a judge will decide; however, there is no statutory formula in play, and spousal support is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Spousal Support - aka - Alimony


Unlike with child support, there is no spousal support formula that determines whether or not an award of spousal will be awarded. Spousal support is decided on a case-by-case basis.


There are several different reasons why a party may be entitled to spousal support. Sometimes spousal support is awarded to make sure that both parties are taken care of after a divorce. Sometimes it is awarded if one party will be financially worse off after a divorce and the other party's income would allow for them to contribute to make up the difference.


When determining if an award of spousal support would be proper, a judge sitting in a family court will consider several factors.


  • The length of the marriage

  • Each party's behavior during the marriage

  • The age of the parties

  • Each party's ability to earn income

  • Whether a party has the means to pay spousal support

  • The health of each party

  • The needs of each party

  • Whether either party has people to support

  • What each party has contributed to the marital estate

  • Fairness


This is not meant to be an all inclusive list as each case is unique, but the items listed above are important considerations to keep in mind.


Call us today or click the link below to set up a free consultation.

bottom of page