The decision to get divorced is hard, even more so if you have concerns about how you’ll manage without your spouse’s assets and income. In Connecticut, the courts may award one party alimony if they believe they need it to support themselves.
Alimony can be temporary or permanent, depending on various factors and the overall circumstances of the marriage. However, if you need it, you can seek lifetime support from your ex.
Alimony in Connecticut
The court will award a spouse alimony if they need those payments to adjust to their new life after the divorce. The amount and duration of the alimony payments vary, depending on the overall history and circumstances of the marriage.
In particular, the courts in Connecticut consider the following when determining alimony:
- The length of the marriage
- The cause of separation
- The age, health and occupation of each party
- The sources of income and earning capacities of each party
- The vocational skills, education and employability of each party
- The estate and needs of each party
If the divorcing couple has minor children, the court will also look at the custodial parent’s capabilities of securing employment.
Permanent alimony
Permanent alimony orders are not common, but the courts can award it when one spouse cannot support themselves without their ex’s financial help. Usually, the longer the marriage lasted, the more probable it is for a spouse to obtain permanent alimony. For example, the court may order permanent alimony for a spouse if they gave up their employment and educational opportunities to care for the household for more than 10 years. The same would happen if the dependent spouse has a medical issue or disability that prevents them from working and receiving an income.
With a permanent alimony order, the supporting spouse will have to make the payments until one of them dies. In some cases, the court may also order the paying spouse to get life insurance so that alimony can continue after their death. This means that you could receive alimony following your ex’s death if the court considers it strictly necessary.
Important considerations
You must know that alimony orders are not unchangeable. Your ex could ask the court to change the order if it grants modifications. Modifications to permanent alimonies can happen if your ex retires or if you move in with someone else and your expenses increase because you are living with that person.
Your right to a comfortable life
You made sacrifices during your marriage, and the court must consider your efforts when determining the duration and amount of your alimony payments. If the court awards you with permanent alimony, your ex will have a legal responsibility towards you until either of you dies. You can hold your ex liable if they don’t comply with the law, as you have the right to obtain the support that you need to live comfortably.
