Getting a divorce is an emotional decision that can cause serious financial hardship. When a couple decides to end their marriage, it may become difficult for one of the parties to afford standard living expenses. This is why many states award alimony, also known as spousal maintenance. This is money that one spouse may be ordered to pay the other to provide continued financial support. If you are going through a divorce, it’s important to understand the following aspects about alimony in Arizona. 

A Comprehensive Guide to Arizona’s Alimony Laws 

What Are the Different Types?  

There are three different forms of alimony that an Arizona judge can order a spouse to pay. The first is a permanent award, meaning the court hasn’t specified an end date. The second type is rehabilitative alimony. This is intended to provide a spouse with financial support for as long as is necessary to allow them to obtain the education and work experience to start supporting themselves. Last is compensatory alimony, which is designed to reimburse a spouse who helped pay for the other spouse’s education during their marriage.

How Is Entitlement Determined?  

Before a spouse can receive alimony, they are required to prove they meet one of these criteria: 

• Lacks adequate property to meet their basic needs
• Is unable to support themselves through proper employment, has custody of a child whose age and condition restricts outside employment, or lacks sufficient earning capabilities to provide for themselves
• Has made a substantial financial contribution to the education, training, skills, or earning ability of the other spouse
• Had a long marriage and is of an age that may prevent them from obtaining gainful employment
• Has considerably reduced their income or career opportunities for the benefit of the other spouse

What Factors Are Considered When Awarding Alimony? 

Once the court determines a spouse has met at least one of the requirements, they will take a number of factors into account to decide the amount and length of time maintenance should be paid. Some of these considerations include: 

• The duration of the marriage
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The age, employment history, earning ability, and physical and mental condition of the spouse seeking alimony
• The financial resources of each party
• The need to contribute to the education of the children 

If you have questions concerning Arizona’s alimony laws and how they apply to your unique situation, contact the Law Offices Of Paul Lenkowsky. The team offers decades of experience handling family law cases and helping countless residents throughout Mohave County find successful resolutions to their divorce settlements. The office can explain what your rights are in regards to spousal maintenance and provide effective representation in court. To schedule a consultation, call (928) 758-4815, or visit them online to learn more about their legal services.