How Much Is The Average Alimony Payment?
Alimony, otherwise known as spousal maintenance, refers to money that is to be paid from one ex-spouse to another following a divorce as determined by the court. In the state of Arizona, the court will determine whether or not a spouse is entitled to alimony. Let’s take a look at how much the average alimony payment is in Arizona.
Factors That Impact The Amount Of Alimony
If the court determines that one spouse who is seeking alimony is entitled to an award, there are a few different factors that will determine exactly how much is awarded. This amount should be reasonable for both spouses. The court will check for any financial challenges one or both spouses may be experiencing following a divorce.
A court will look at the following factors when determining both the amount and length of alimony:
- Duration of the marriage.
- Age, employment history, and earning ability of the spouse requesting alimony.
- Established standard of living during the marriage.
- Other spouse’s ability to pay alimony while still being able to meet his or her own needs.
- Relevant excessive expenditures made during the marriage.
- Financial resources of both spouses.
- Physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking alimony.
- Health care costs of the spouse seeking alimony.
- The amount of time the spouse will need the support.
How To Calculate Alimony
Of course, there is no exact formula for determining the amount of alimony awarded. There are, however, a few basic guidelines that can help determine the estimated amount one spouse can expect to receive.
The formula first requires you to determine the difference between each spouse’s income. For example, one spouse could earn $10,000 per month, while the other spouse pulls in $4,000 per month. With a difference of $6,000, the judge will award the lower-earning spouse between 15%-25% of the difference.
The percentage in which a spouse receives depends on a few factors, such as the total length of the marriage. In most cases, the longer the marriage lasted, the higher the amount of alimony will be. The court will also take standard of living during the marriage into account when determining an amount.
How Long Is Alimony Paid?
There will be no specified amount of time in which one spouse must pay the other spouse after a divorce. Temporary support can be ordered by the judge at the beginning of the divorce process and a new alimony amount may be created once the divorce is finalized.
Alimony following a divorce will continue for the duration that the judge determines based on the aforementioned factors. The duration of support is established in the final judgement. Alimony could end automatically if the recipient remarries, the term in the divorce judgement ends, or if either spouse passes away.
The majority of alimony payments will be made periodically, either bi-weekly, monthly, or otherwise determined by the judge. Some rare cases may involve a one-time lump-sum cash payment or the delivery of equivalent property.
Source:
- “How Much Is Alimony In Your State?” Custody Xchange https://www.custodyxchange.com/topics/research/alimony-2024.php
Collaborative Divorce And Child Custody
Discussions about child custody issues are always difficult during a divorce. While there is no way to make them easy or comfortable, you can find ways to work together. The collaborative divorce process helps with tools and professionals to make child custody and other decisions a little more manageable. By working together as a team, you’re able to make the decisions that are best for the kids.
Collaborative divorce can make these challenging times more manageable. It requires you to work with your spouse at a time when you have decided you need to go your separate ways. When it comes to child custody, though, you want to do all you can to make the right parenting decisions. Collaborative divorce can help create pathways for you to cooperate. If you live in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and want to learn more about collaborative divorce, contact Ogborne Law today.
