One of the most contentious issues in Arizona divorce cases is often the matter of.
One of the most contentious issues in Arizona divorce cases is often the matter of spousal support, also known as alimony. Typically, a court awards spousal support when one spouse earns a higher income than the other, and the lesser earning spouse is not able to maintain themselves financially during and after the divorce. However, there are many factors that are taken into account when making the decision of whether to award spousal support in a divorce case. At Singular Law Group, our experienced Arizona divorce attorneys are prepared to assist with this and any other issues that arise in your divorce. To learn more, call or contact our office now.
Types of Spousal Support
The court in an Arizona divorce case has the option of awarding different types of spousal support. During the divorce proceeding, a judge may award temporary alimony, known as pendente lite, that terminates when the divorce is finalized. Rehabilitative spousal support is paid after the divorce for a specific period of time that allows a spouse the opportunity to gain the education necessary to gain employment and become financially self-sufficient. The final type of Arizona spousal support is permanent alimony. This type is reserved specifically for special circumstances, such as the end of a lengthy marriage or if the spouse requesting support has physical health issues that prevent them from obtaining employment after the end of the marriage.
Factors Considered for Alimony
Arizona law lists many factors that a judge must weigh when deciding whether to award a spouse alimony during and after a divorce as well as what type of spousal support is appropriate. The spouse requesting support must also prove a need for spousal support because of a lack of sufficient property, lack of self-sufficiency, and other causes. The factors considered by the court include the following:
- The marital standard of living,
- The duration of the marriage,
- Each spouse’s age, physical and mental health, employment history, and employability,
- The paying spouse’s ability to meet the needs of both people,
- The comparable financial resources of each spouse,
- How much the spouse requesting support contributed to the other’s earning ability during the marriage,
- The extent to which the spouse requesting support reduced their income or career opportunities for the other,
- Each spouse’s capacity to contribute financially to any child’s educational costs,
- The requesting spouse’s financial resources and ability to become financially self-sufficient,
- The time necessary for the spouse requesting support to receive the education, training, or skills necessary to obtain employment,
- Any excessive spending, destruction, concealment, or fraudulent disposition of marital funds by either spouse,
- Health insurance costs, and
- Any damages resulting from a spouse’s conduct that results in a criminal conviction.
Talk to Our Office Now
Do you have more questions about how spousal support is awarded in Arizona divorce cases? If so, the knowledgeable divorce lawyers at the Singular Law Group are here to help. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a consultation of your divorce matter.
