Alimony, also called spousal support, is a major consideration in the outcome of a divorce. The amount of alimony is determined by a family court judgement and based on a wide array of factors. After a determination has been made, and the sum has been established, it’s awarded to the spouse with the lower income to help them maintain the standard of living that they had during their marriage.

Alimony and spousal support can be complicated and has undergone recent changes to legislation that included the definition of short-term marriage, a moderate-term marriage, and finally, long-term marriage. Alimony also comes in different forms including permanent, bridge-the-gap, temporary, durational, and rehabilitative. Among the many factors that need to be considered when determining the amount of spousal support include, but are not limited to:

• The financial sources available to each party
• The length of the marriage in question
• The emotional state, age, and physical condition of the parties
• The financial resources of each party (including non-martial assets and liabilities)
• The martial standard of living

These and many other complicated factors go into determining the amount and duration  that is awarded. Despite everyone’s best efforts to make alimony fair for both parties, there are times when it needs to be modified due to unforeseen circumstances or it may even be contested by one of the parties. This area of law can be very tricky. If you need legal representation in spousal support, alimony, or alimony modifications or enforcement contact Lee Feinberg and put his 30 years of experience to work for you. Contact Mr. Feinberg now!