What does a typical spousal support statute look like?
Each state’s spousal support statutes differ in detail, but a typical statute may read as follows: Arizona: Maintenance can be awarded to either spouse, if the spouse seeking maintenance: (1) lacks sufficient property to provide for his or her reasonable needs; or (2) is unable to support him or herself through appropriate employment; or (3) is the custodian of a child whose age and custodian is such that the custodian should not be required to seek employment outside the home; or (4) lacks earning ability in the labor market to adequately support him or herself; or (5) contributed to the educational opportunities of the other spouse; or (6) had a marriage of long duration and is of an age which may preclude the possibility of gaining employment adequate to support him or herself. Marital misconduct is not a factor to be considered for maintenance order. The factors to be considered are: (1) the time for the spouse to acquire education and training for suitable employment; (2) the spou
