How does the judge decide?
Each state’s law specifies a set of factors for a judge to consider in granting alimony. Although these factors vary from state to state, they typically include the following: • The standard of living of the parties (higher means more alimony). • The ability of the payer to pay (more means more alimony). • The parties’ reasonable needs under the circumstances. • The income and property of each party. • The duration of the marriage (longer means more alimony). • The age and health of both parties. • The present and future earning capacity of both parties. • The ability of the party seeking maintenance to be self supporting, how long that will take, and what training will be required. | • Any reduced or lost lifetime earning capacity as a result of having foregone or delayed education, training, employment, or career opportunities during the marriage. • The presence of children in the respective homes of the parties. • The tax consequences to each party. • The contributions as parent, wa
