Guide to Alimony in Connecticut
If you are getting a divorce in CT, alimony can be one of the most highly contested issues.
Alimony, also called spousal support, is a series of payments by one spouse to another.
If your Connecticut divorce may involve alimony, there are a few things you should know.
Learn how an experienced divorce lawyer can assist you by calling (860) 561-0651 or filling out our online form today.
What Is Alimony in Connecticut?
Unless you and your spouse reach an agreement, a judge will make the final decision about alimony. Judges can order alimony for different reasons.
Temporary Alimony
Temporary alimony is payments by one spouse to the other during the period of time when the divorce is pending.
These payments allow the receiving spouse to adjust to non-married life. Depending on how many contested issues your divorce involves, your case may be pending for months or even a year or more.
Temporary alimony payments continue until you and your spouse sign the final decree of divorce or until a judge extends the payments.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Like temporary alimony, rehabilitative alimony requires that one spouse make payments for a certain period of time.
Rehabilitative alimony payments are temporary while one spouse takes certain steps to become financially independent. These steps can include completing job training or finishing a degree.
Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony is much less common than it once was. A judge will order permanent alimony if one spouse is unable to be financially independent due to a disability, age, or duties to care for a child with a disability.
As the name indicates, the paying spouse continues to make permanent alimony payments unless circumstances change.
How Long Do You Have to Be Married to Get Alimony?
Under Connecticut’s alimony statute, there is no minimum length of time you must be married to receive alimony. CT alimony laws give a judge discretion to determine the amount of alimony and the duration of payments. To make this decision, a judge will consider a number of factors. Including the length of the marriage.
However, the length of the marriage is not the only factor, and the judge will also consider the reason for the divorce, the age and health of each spouse, and the earning capacity of each spouse, among other things.
Calculating Alimony in Connecticut
There is no specific formula or alimony calculator in CT. Some say that alimony should be for one-half of the number of years the couple lived a married life, yet this is not a rule.
The judge decides on the amount of alimony based primarily on the financial needs of the receiving spouse and the ability of the paying spouse.
If the spouse requesting alimony can demonstrate a financial need, and the paying spouse is able to make support payments, the judge will then determine the amount of the payments. As discussed above, there are also different types of alimony. The judge will also decide which type of alimony is appropriate under the circumstances. Fault in the break-up is also considered.
If you are getting a divorce, you can negotiate an alimony agreement with your spouse. If you and your spouse agree on the amount of the payments and how long they should continue, it is likely that a court will approve the agreement.
We recommend that you speak with a lawyer to get a sense of what a judge might do, but that is your decision.
Contact Us for Help
Our experienced family law and divorce attorneys are ready to answer your questions about CT alimony laws.
At StangerLaw LLC, we are dedicated to representing the unique needs of each client. Our attorneys are ready to take on your case, whether you are looking for an amicable settlement or need to defend your rights in court.
Contact us online or call (860) 561-0651 today to learn how we can assist you.
