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Courts often award spousal support when a couple divorces and one spouse is financially dependent on the other. The judge has discretion regarding the amount and duration of alimony to grant in a specific case.

Whether a court orders temporary vs. permanent spousal support in Guilford depends on the surrounding circumstances. An experienced alimony attorney can help you set reasonable expectations and guide you through the process.

Understanding Alimony Pendente Lite

Divorcing couples usually establish separate households. The property division process is not yet complete, so a spouse may have access to fewer assets than they need to buy a home.

The term “alimony pendente lite” means alimony during the pendency of the legal proceedings. It is a form of spousal support that lasts only while the divorce proceedings are ongoing. It terminates when the divorce decree is issued or very shortly thereafter.

Courts do not award spousal support automatically. A Guilford lawyer can determine whether a spouse may require temporary rather than permanent support and if so, include a request in the initial divorce filings.

Time-Limited Support Is Typical

When one spouse is financially dependent upon the other, they may have insufficient means to support themselves even after the marital property is divided. Time-limited spousal support may be granted under these circumstances.

Multiple factors influence a judge’s decision about how much spousal support to award and for how long. These include, among other considerations:

  • How long the couple was married
  • Whether the dependent spouse gave up educational or career opportunities in favor of home-making
  • The age of the couple’s children, if the dependent spouse is their custodial parent
  • The value of each spouse’s separate property
  • Each spouse’s educational and work history

It is expected that spousal support will be a bridge to prevent hardship while a spouse works to become financially independent. There is a rule of thumb that spousal support will be awarded for a number of years equal to half the length of the marriage, but judges are not bound by this.

Depending on their specific circumstances, a spouse could receive support for a shorter or longer period of time. A Guilford family law attorney can compile financial documentation supporting a spouse’s position regarding time-limited alimony.

Permanent Alimony Is Available in Some Cases

There are cases where it is unreasonable to expect a spouse to become self-supporting. In these cases, indefinite alimony may be awarded. A Guilford lawyer can explain whether permanent or indefinite alimony is possible in a specific case.

Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-82 allows a judge to order indefinite or permanent spousal support. This form of alimony terminates only upon the death of one of the parties or the remarriage of the receiving spouse. When a judge grants permanent spousal support, they must explain their reasoning in the order.

Permanent alimony is usually reserved for cases where the parties had a long marriage during which the dependent spouse did not pursue a career. At the time of the divorce, the dependent spouse may be nearing or past retirement age, with little reasonable expectation of obtaining employment that would enable them to be self-supporting.

However, permanent or indefinite alimony is also possible after a shorter marriage when the dependent spouse has a physical or mental health condition that prevents them from working.

Work with a Guilford Attorney to Understand Temporary vs. Permanent Spousal Support

Alimony is not automatic. Judges award spousal support only when necessary to prevent hardship to a dependent spouse.

If alimony is likely to be an issue in your divorce, our divorce attorneys can explain whether temporary vs. permanent spousal support in Guilford is more likely in your circumstances. We are ready to help; contact us today to learn more.

Connecticut Family Lawyer | CT Family Law | Dolan Family Attorneys N/a
105 Church St Guilford CT 06437 (203) 303-9371