Alimony
Alimony is a support payment by one spouse to the other. It is based upon the needs of one spouse and the ability of the other spouse to pay. Alimony can be awarded on a temporary basis or a permanent basis. If alimony is awarded the amount of alimony will be based on a number of factors: the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the age and health of each party, the financial resources of each party, the contribution of each party to the marriage, the separate property of each party (see Property Division), the earning capacity of each party and the time for one party to acquire an education in order achieve better earning capacity, and any other facts the court determines are relevant. Alimony cannot be calculated based upon a formula; it is ordered by the court based upon the specific circumstances of each couple.
