Though not as common as in the past, our divorce lawyers in CT must still address the issue of alimony in divorce matters. Alimony has traditionally been a method of equalizing the income of the separating parties. It is more often used in lengthy marriages where there is a disparity in the income of the parties.
Historical Purpose of Alimony
In the past, it was more common for one party, usually the male, be the breadwinner of the family while the wife took care of the household. Upon divorce, the wife was often without much of a work history or employable skills. Alimony was used to insure the divorcing spouse was not left destitute and was able to financially weather a transition period. Though this situation is not as common today, there are still many instances where one of the parties has traditionally earned substantially more money than the other, and has a much greater earning capacity. Thus, alimony can still exist in modern divorces. No divorce lawyer can guarantee that you will be obligated to pay it or that you will receive an award. It remains discretionary with the court on a case by case basis.
Temporary Alimony
In Connecticut, a court has wide discretion to order temporary alimony, or pendente lite and permanent alimony. The two types of alimony serve different purposes. Penente lite is paid while the divorce is ongoing. It is used to ensure the marital debts are paid, as well as making sure both parties have income to live on during the divorce proceedings. Two incomes that once supported a single household will now be required to support two. An experienced divorce lawyer Connecticut residents trust can distinguish the different forms of alimony and the reason for each.
Permanent Alimony
Though an award is not actually “permanent”, alimony can be ordered to be paid for several years after the end of the marriage. Pursuant to state law, a numb of factors should be considered before it is ordered:
- How long the parties were married;
- The education, occupations and earning potentials of both parties;
- The ages and earning prospects for each party;
- The manner in which the marital property was divided;
- Whether either party was at fault in terminating the marriage.
Divorce lawyers in CT must be particularly skilled to argue each factor in a divorce case with an ability to apply these general factors to the case before the court. Our lawyers have honed these skills over many years of experience.
Termination of Alimony
Even if alimony is awarded for a specific number of months, the award can be terminated by some life events. The death of either party will terminate the order, as will the remarriage of the recipient. If you are paying alimony and either of these events occurs, you should immediately notify your divorce lawyer in Connecticut to terminate the obligation.
Tax Consequences
Many do not realize that alimony is considered taxable income to the recipient and a tax deduction for the paying party. Proper records of payment and receipt should be kept for tax filing purposes.
Contact Divorce Lawyers in CT to Determine Your Eligibility for Alimony
Attorney Anthony Piazza may be reached at (203) 348-2465 to discuss obtaining alimony in your case and to discuss other factors concerning your divorce. Remember that when considering alimony in a case, the judge is attempting to be fair and equitable to both parties. But because the rules are not hard an fast, it is important that your case for against alimony be presented in the manner most fair and equitable to you. When considering divorce lawyers in CT, choose the one who is willing to put your case in the best light before the court.