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Spousal support, also known as “alimony,” is money that one spouse pays to support the other during a divorce or for a specified period of time after the divorce. Whether you anticipate having to pay alimony or having to receive it, here’s what you need to know:

At Klein & Babbitt, we want to ensure that you can build the future you’re envisioning after divorce. For some people, spousal support is an essential part of that vision.

In Connecticut today, awards of “permanent” alimony, in which support payments are made indefinitely, are increasingly rare, although spouses can make an agreement in which one pays the other alimony indefinitely. Most awards of spousal support are made for a definite term. The goal of these alimony payments may be to support a lower earning or non-earning spouse during the divorce process (alimony “pendent lite”) or for a period after the divorce. Courts can also modify or end alimony orders if there is a “significant change of circumstances.”

Spousal support is only granted if one spouse has a need for it and the other has the ability to pay. To determine whether these conditions exist, Connecticut courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age and state of health, each spouse’s income sources (including jobs or employability), each spouse’s needs, and any child support that one spouse is paying to the other.

Unlike many neighboring states, Connecticut does not have a specific formula that is used to calculate alimony awards. This means judges have great discretion.

Spousal support can have a significant effect on your stress levels, household needs, and future plans. It’s important to find a compassionate attorney who will listen to your needs and tell you what you need to know. At Klein & Babbitt, we seek to do just that. Whether you expect to pay, receive, or modify an alimony award, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more.