Alimony provides financial support to the spouse who earns less or who has been financially dependent on the other during the marriage. The ways that each spouse supported the household factor into the amount and duration of alimony. This includes both financial and non-financial contributions. What should you know?
What does the court look at when making alimony decisions?
Delaware courts consider each couple’s unique situation when award alimony. This includes many factors like:
- How long the marriage lasted.
- Each spouse’s financial resources.
- The paying spouse’s ability to pay alimony.
- The time or training the receiving spouse needs to support themselves.
- The couple’s lifestyle during the marriage.
- The age and health of both spouses.
- Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage.
How do financial contributions affect alimony decisions?
Financial contributions are often easier to understand when looking at alimony decisions. Courts typically look at:
- Income: They look at what both spouses earn, including salaries, bonuses and other income.
- Assets: They consider what each spouse did to get and improve things like property, investments, and savings.
- Debts: They check shared financial responsibilities, like debts from the marriage. If one spouse takes on more debt, it might change alimony decisions.
What non-financial contributions can influence alimony?
Non-financial contributions are more difficult to calculate. However, they are still important to the household and can become important aspects of alimony decisions. Some contributions that can influence alimony include:
- Homemaking and childcare: Taking care of the house, raising children, and giving emotional support are important. These roles help the household but might affect a spouse’s ability to earn money.
- Supporting career and education: If one spouse helps the other’s career or education by moving or taking on more household duties, the court might recognize these contributions.
- Personal sacrifices: Courts might think about personal sacrifices made for the marriage, like putting off personal goals or education.
Both spouses’ contributions to the household matter
Courts aim for fairness and balance in their decisions, including decisions about alimony. They recognize the different ways spouses contribute to their household. Understanding these factors can help people know if alimony might be part of their finances after divorce.