When a married couple gets a divorce, a judge or court may award something called alimony. Alimony is spousal financial support that is separate from the division of property and is granted on a case-by-case basis. Lawyers from both sides may help negotiate the agreement, or the court itself may decide whether it’s needed, how much is needed, and how long to award it.

Why is Alimony Awarded?

The award of spousal support happens for one of two primary reasons. First, one spouse may have forgone a career to take care of the family and house. Alimony will provide them financial resources so they can develop skills and build or rebuild their career. Second, alimony is given to help the recipient spouse maintain the standard of living they experienced during their marriage.

How Does a Judge Determine Alimony?

There are a variety of factors that judges take into account when they are considering alimony. Most states recommend courts consider general factors like the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, and the ability for the payer to support themselves, their children, and their former spouse. Divorce lawyers also bring up additional factors, including the spouses’ ages, health, and education levels, as well as the distribution of property.

What are the Types of Alimony?

Most lawyers will ask the court for rehabilitative or limited-duration support that helps the recipient spouse get back on their feet. The goal is to make them self-sufficient, so the timeframe depends on their education level, skills, and previous (if any) career. The other common type of alimony is permanent or lifetime, but it is usually for marriages that lasted over 10-20 years and where one spouse was the sole financial provider.

If you are looking to get a divorce or are in the process and need additional support, consult the lawyers at The Law Offices of Conti, Levy and Salerno, LLC in Torrington, CT. Their team has 75 years of combined experience, with 20 years as partners serving the community. They specialize in family law and creating personalized solutions to protect your interests. Call (860) 482-4451 to speak with their team or visit their website for more information.