Spousal Support or Alimony payments are designed to prevent one spouse from suffering undue financial hardship as a result of the divorce. This is especially important in cases where the majority of income and assets are earned by one member of the household. The law currently recognizes that a husband or wife should not be forced to significantly change his or her standard of living simply because of divorce.
It is important to recognize, however, that several factors will weigh into a court’s decision to grant Spousal Support. One of the most important factors is the length of the marriage. Another is the existence of a premarital agreement which addresses the issue of support or alimony. Other factors which are considered in the determination of an alimony award include the incomes of both parties, their respective contributions to the marriage, any other sources of income either party may have, both parties’ physical and emotional health status, and the education and earning ability of the spouses.