Here are some answers to common questions regarding alimony you may be concerned about. If you have questions or concerns regarding your particular situation we would be glad to speak with you @ (253) 512-1140. |
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| Q: How does the court determine whether alimony will be awarded in my divorce? |
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| A: 1. |
State law provides that alimony, referred to as spousal maintenance, may be granted to either the husband or the wife. |
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| 2. |
The basic principle the court follows when setting the amount and
duration of alimony is the need of one spouse verses the ability of
the other spouse to pay. |
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| 3. |
There are two types of alimony:
- Rehabilitative: This is for a limited period of time and is to enable one of the spouses to get the education or training necessary to find a job. This is usually awarded where one of the parties has not been working during the marriage. In this situation, the general rule is for every 4 years of marriage, 1 year of alimony will be awarded. However, this is not a hard and fast rule.
- Permanent: This continues for a long period of time, possibly until the
death of the party receiving the alimony. This is typically awarded if the
marriage was very long and one spouse did not work or where one of the
parties is unable to work due to a physical or mental illness.
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