Alimony

Alimony is a court-sanctioned financial obligation to support a spouse, in the event of a separation or divorce. Factors that may determine alimony are:

Cause of separation/divorce-If the divorce involves a breakdown based on a fault, alimony could be significantly affected, based on the nature of the fault.
Income earned-In efforts to equalize lifestyle and income post-divorce, the income of both parties are gauged, before determining alimony. The higher earning spouse is usually the one responsible for paying alimony.
Length of marriage-The term in which alimony is to be paid can be determined by how long the marriage lasted. Marriages having lasted 10 years or longer can often result in permanent alimony. In some states, the end of the marriage is considered when both parties separated, if the separation was lengthy.
Age of parties involved-Younger spouses, with earning potential, are likely to receive alimony for a shorter period of time.
Health - A spouse in poor health and unable to support ones self can determine the amount and term of alimony received.

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ALIMONY VS. CHILD SUPPORT

Alimony is often confused with child support, another type of financial obligation that may be established in the event of a separation or divorce. Child support is where a parent is financially responsible to contribute to the welfare of their offspring, which are living with the other parent. While alimony is treated as income for the spouse receiving it and is subject to taxation, child support is not. Child support is considered a necessary financial obligation for the non-custodial parent to support their offspring, with penalizing consequences if support is withdrawn or avoided. If alimony payments are not made, recourse is similar to collecting a debt, and follows standard collection procedure.

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ALIMONY VS. CHILD SUPPORT

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