Alimony, or spousal support, is money paid by one spouse to the other for living and other expenses. Alimony can be paid both during a divorce action and upon a divorce becoming final. It can be limited to a term of years or payable for a lifetime, depending on the particular circumstances of each case.
There are no firm statutory guidelines for alimony in Connecticut. However, the Court must consider certain factors when determining the amount and duration of alimony, including:
- length of the marriage;
- cause of the breakdown of the marriage;
- age and health of the parties;
- each party’s income and employability;
- assets and needs of each party; and
- which parent is primarily caring for the parties’ minor children.
Alimony is tax-deductible by the spouse who pays it and taxable as income to the spouse who receives it. In assessing what is appropriate alimony in your particular case, it is important for your attorney to help you estimate the after-tax consequences of an alimony order so that you know how approximately much money you are actually paying out, or keeping. You should also check with your tax advisor, accountant or other tax professional that is certified to give tax advice.
