What Factors Are Considered When Determining Alimony in a Connecticut Divorce?

What factors are considered when determining alimony in a Connecticut divorce?

Read on to learn more.

Connecticut Alimony Law

The Connecticut alimony statute lists the factors to be considered by the court when determining alimony in a divorce. These factors inform a judge’s decision as to (1) whether there will be alimony, and, if so, (2) how much, and (3) for how long. These factors are considered in no fault divorces as well as for fault divorces. Alimony can also be awarded in a separation or annulment.

The court considers all of these factors, and there is no indication that any single factor is more important than any other factor. The court has the discretion to weigh these factors based upon the individual circumstances of each case.

Alimony Factors

The alimony factors considered by Connecticut divorce courts include:

• The length of the marriage
• The causes for the annulment, dissolution of the marriage or legal separation

And each spouse’s respective:

• Age
• Health
• Station
• Occupation
• Amount and sources of income
• Earning capacity
• Vocational skills
• Education
• Employability
• Estate
• Needs
• The award, if any, which the court may make pursuant to section 46b-81 (In other words, how the parties have agreed or how the court has decided to divide the spouses’ property is taken into consideration. Basically, there is an interplay between alimony and property division.)
• Desirability and feasibility of the custodial parent securing employment

Impact of Property Division

The factor that references property division can be confusing. Basically, when the court is deciding on alimony, it takes into account how the parties have agreed or how the court has decided to divide the spouses’ property. The main takeaway is that there is an interplay between alimony and property division.)

Judicial Discretion

Although the Connecticut statues layout these factors for alimony, both divorce itself and alimony specifically are equitable in nature. Whether and however it awards alimony, the court’s discretion is the key takeaway.

The Comprehensive Connecticut Alimony Guide

Alimony is one of the most important issues in divorces. And, it’s one of the most confusing. There are no set formulas or rules on (1) whether there will be alimony, and, if so, (2) how it’s calculated or (3) how long it will last. The good news is that this means there is tremendous flexibility to craft an individualized approach. In order to prepare to make solid and informed decisions, you need to understand how alimony works. Our Comprehensive Connecticut Alimony Guide tells you everything you need to know about alimony in Connecticut.

Next Steps

Our first step at Freed Marcroft, the Goals & Planning Conference, is designed to get to the heart of your problem and unveil your true goals. Then, we take those goals along with the facts of your case and analyze them so that we can present you with recommendations and options on how to move forward.