When you are filing for divorce, one of the issues that may be of concern is alimony. There are a number of factors the court can consider when awarding alimony if you are filing for a fault divorce in Connecticut.
According to Connecticut law, alimony is awarded based on the spouse’s duty to continue to support the recipient spouse. There are several factors that the court must consider when deciding whether to award alimony, and when deciding how much alimony to award. These factors include:
- How long the marriage lasted;
- Causes for the divorce (if filing for a “fault divorce”);
- Age of both spouses;
- Health of both spouses;
- Occupation of both spouses;
- Amount and sources of income;
- Employability and vocational skills of both spouses;
- Needs and liabilities of both parties;
- Whether or not it is desirable for the custodial parent to secure employment.
It is important to note that while the court must consider all of these factors when determining alimony, it does not have to give equal weight to each of these factors. The court has a wide discretion when it comes to determining the amount of alimony to award, and whether to award it at all.
Additionally, alimony can be awarded permanently or temporarily as the court sees fit, and as either a lump sum or as regular periodic payments. In some cases, the court may also choose to require alimony payments in addition to ordering child support payments.
If you are considering filing for divorce in Connecticut, the prospect of receiving or being required to pay alimony is something that both parties need to consider. It is important to have an experienced family law attorney on your side help ensure that you receive and keep all property and money that you are entitled to. Contact our law firm for a consultation on your case today.