One of the most common divorce dilemmas is whether alimony will be required—and how much it will cost. This term refers to a set amount of money that an individual must pay to financially support an ex-spouse. Since no strict guidelines dictate this aspect of divorce law, many may be unsure of what to expect from the decision. If you’re pursuing a divorce, here’s some important information on this topic.

What You Should Know About Alimony

When is alimony awarded? 

In general, the party seeking alimony must prove that they need financial support and that the ex-spouse’s income allows for payment. According to Connecticut law, payments can also be ordered if it’s shown that the paying spouse abandoned the marriage without any just cause. A prenuptial agreement may also outline terms that require alimony.    

What does the legal process involve?

During a divorce, one spouse must file a motion with the court to request alimony. The court will then order both parties to complete a financial affidavit—an assessment of finances.

Using this affidavit and other evidence, both parties may negotiate a settlement with help from their divorce attorneys. If an agreement can’t be met, the matter may need to be presented before a judge, who will make a decision and place an official court order.

What factors influence the amount of alimony?

In Connecticut, there’s no maximum or minimum amount set for alimony, nor are there any guidelines to determine the specific amount to be paid. Instead, the court will consider a variety of factors to come up with a fair and reasonable amount, such as:

• The motivation for divorce.
• Each party’s salary, expenses, and employability.
• Each party’s age and health.
• The length of the marriage.
• A custodial parent’s inability to work due to child-rearing responsibilities.

How long will alimony be paid?

Alimony orders don’t follow a strict timeline. In some cases, compliance may be limited to a specific period. In others, payments may be required until the awarded party can improve their financial situation—such as by seeking job training. Often, these decisions are terminated if the receiving party remarries.

What should I do if I want to change alimony terms?

Divorce law allows either party to petition for alimony modification at any point. These petitions are often filed if the payments are no longer feasible for the responsible party or if the receiving party’s financial circumstances have improved.

When you have concerns about alimony decisions, the attorneys at D’Agosto & Howe LLC in Bridgeport, CT. Specializing family and divorce law, these experienced attorneys will assess every aspect of your case to produce strong arguments for or against alimony needs. Apart from this matter, this team will also help you navigate other complicated aspects of divorce—including child custody and division of property decisions. Visit this legal practice online to learn more about their comprehensive representation or call (203) 712-0210 to schedule a consultation.