Dear Attorneys,
If I get divorced in Connecticut, will I need to pay alimony?
Sincerely,
Alimony Allie
Dear Allie,
That’s a great question, and it’s one that we hear often. In Connecticut, alimony is not automatic—the Court considers several factors before determining if it should be awarded, how much should be paid, and for how long.
Some of the factors the Court reviews include (but may not necessarily be limited to) the length of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, each party’s income and earning capacity, their vocational skills and employability, and the roles each spouse played during the marriage (such as whether one spouse primarily stayed home to raise children). The Court also considers each party’s needs and the standard of living established during the marriage.
It’s also important to know that alimony is generally not permanent (a.k.a. “lifetime alimony”). Most often, it is be awarded on a temporary basis, usually for a specific term of years. Alimony is generally modifiable as to the amount, but often not as to the term/duration of such.
Because every situation is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Sometimes, spouses agree on whether alimony will be paid (and for how long) as part of a settlement, while in other cases, the Court makes the decision after hearing evidence at a trial.
If you are concerned about whether you may need to pay alimony—or if you believe you may need to request it—it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can assess your circumstances and guide you through the process. If you are seeking alimony, it’s imperative to request it in your initial dissolution complaint. Additionally, if you choose to forego alimony in your final agreement, you can never go back to request it in the future.
At Wolf & Shore Law Group, we offer confidential consultations and help clients just like you navigate this process every day. Ever argue with a woman? Let Wolf & Shore Law Group go to work for you. Call us at 203.745.3151 or email us at info@wolfandshorelaw.com.
Very Truly Yours,
Wolf & Shore Law Group
*The situations represented in our Dear Attorneys column are entirely fictional and any resemblance to a specific case is unintentional. We cannot, and will not, offer legal advice to anyone who is not a client. However, if you do have questions or concerns, you should contact an attorney at your convenience.
