Alimony can be complicated divorce issue

Wisconsin couples know that when a marriage ends, many times financial obligations do not. These include child support, which usually ends when a child turns 18, and alimony, which might only end with the remarriage or death of an ex-spouse.

Just like child support, alimony, also known as spousal support, usually can’t be avoided in a divorce. The burden of paying alimony usually falls on the spouse with the higher income. Sometimes, alimony ends after a specified time, and sometimes, it ends when the receiving spouse remarries or dies. In some cases, this may depend upon the stipulations of the divorce decree.

The amount of alimony to be paid also depends on other factors. These include each spouse’s gross monthly income and how long the marriage lasted. In shorter marriages, alimony may be limited to the same length of time the marriage lasted; in longer marriages, say over 10 years, it may last indefinitely. Courts also will look at the standard living the couple enjoyed in married life, if the alimony recipient is able to work, and the age and health of the receiving spouse.

Not all ex-spouses want alimony. They may be able to support themselves or may just want to sever all ties with their former spouse. Because spousal support can be a complicated issue, divorcing couples may want to consult with a family law attorney who may be able to help them in negotiating spousal support and helping them to make informed decisions when the issue comes before the court.