-
Step 1
Determine eligibility. Spousal support is usually not granted in cases where the marriage lasted less than a year, or when both spouses are employed and self-sufficient. Aside from these disqualifying conditions, the court will tend to be inclined to grant some degree of alimony.
-
Step 2
Consider employment prospects. If a spouse seeking alimony is capable of working, she might be expected to do so. In these cases, the court might limit alimony according to the spouse's earning potential and the length of time necessary to obtain training and secure a job. Employment will not be required in cases where the spouse is disabled or when caring for the couple's children precludes working full-time.
-
Step 3
Account for ability to pay. A court can award a spouse a large part of the other spouse's assets, but not more than he is able to pay. Thus, the net income of the paying spouse, and the total debts of the couple, are crucial considerations that help determine the total amount from which spousal support can be awarded.
-
Step 4
Weigh other factors. Spousal support is a way to extract equity from a marriage, and it follows that the longer the marriage lasted the more equity would exist. Other contributions, such as financing a spouse's education, homemaking and the raising of children, increase a spouse's right to draw spousal support. Negative contributions, like documented abuse, can limit that right, or increase a spouse's liability to the other.
-
Step 5
Consider duration. It's rare that a relatively young spouse would be granted perpetual spousal support, especially since her living conditions are likely to change. Most spousal support ends either at a predetermined date or if the spouse remarries. Older spouses, especially when the duration of the marriage exceeds her life expectancy, can expect to receive perpetual support.
