What factors are considered in determining spousal maintenance (alimony)?
Alimony in Arizona, or spousal maintenance, can be agreed to between the parties, or decided by the Judge. If left up to the Judge, the Judge will consider:
- Length of the marriage
- Age and earning ability of the spouse who is asking for maintenance
- The standard of living the parties enjoyed during the marriage
- The ability of the other spouse to pay
- What the person who is asking for the maintenance contributed to the marriage
Are spousal maintenance (alimony) payments taxable?
Spousal maintenance payments are taxable income to the receiving spouse and tax deductible by the paying spouse.
How long is spousal maintenance (alimony) required to be paid?
An order for spousal maintenance is generally for a specific period of time and is ordered so that the spouse who is receiving support has time to prepare for financial independence. Spousal maintenance ends when the spouse who receives the support remarries, dies, or when the amount of time for which it is ordered is over.
Not every divorce case involves spousal maintenance. If you have questions about whether you are likely to pay or receive alimony, contact a family law attorney.
We take sides at the R. J. Peters & Associates law firm. This is an important concept that we do not take lightly. Settlement of the difficult issues which arise in family law matters is always an important effort, but not always possible. We focus on fighting for our clients whether in settlement efforts or in litigation. Our only business is family law. From our office located near downtown Phoenix, we represent clients in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona.