This Week’s Blog by Eric J. Broder
Is Alimony Mandatory in Connecticut?
There is no requirement that alimony must be awarded in Connecticut divorce cases. In determining whether or not to award alimony, the court will look at a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the parties’ ages, income, earning capacities, station in life, the length of the marriage, estate, and individual needs. The court does not need to weigh each of these factors equally.
How Long Will a Spouse Have to Pay Alimony?
In Connecticut, there is no “formula” for determining the length of alimony in a divorce case. The court will consider some of the factors enumerated above with, in my opinion, a focus on the length of the marriage, the ages of the parties, and their incomes and/or earning capacities. Generally speaking, the longer the marriage is, the longer the term of alimony will be.
Is Alimony Calculated From Gross Income?
Prior to January 1, 2019, divorce judges considered the parties’ gross incomes to determine the appropriate amount of alimony. Effective January 1, 2019, under the new tax laws, the court will now look at the parties’ net after tax incomes to determine the appropriate amount of alimony.
Is an Alimony Order Modifiable?
After a divorce, alimony in Connecticut is modifiable upon the showing of a substantial change in circumstances. For example, if one party’s income has decreased dramatically, he or she can seek to reduce their alimony obligation. There are a number of other circumstances which may warrant a modification as well.
Does Alimony End on Cohabitation in Connecticut?
Alimony does not automatically terminate when the receiving spouse cohabitates with someone. A number of factors will be considered to determine if the alimony should be terminated or possibly reduced. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type of relationship and the financial assistance the ex-spouse is receiving from the person they are living with.
At Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, we concentrate our practice exclusively on family law. In doing so, we understand the financial constraints that a pending divorce can pose on both parties, and the importance of establishing both an equitable amount and duration of alimony. We are adept at advising our clients on the strategies and the multitude of factors considered by a Court in establishing an alimony award.
