9 Factors that Determine Alimony in Alabama

August 22, 2018
Written on behalf of Daniel H. Chambers Attorney at Law, P .C.

9 Factors that Determine Alimony in Alabama

Alimony (or spousal maintenance) is awarded in a divorce where the marriage has gone on for a number of years and when one of the spouses contributed significantly more to the overall household income. The amount of alimony that is awarded depends on a complete assessment of a bunch of factors.

There are no specific method courts are expected to use to assess the various factors that influence an alimony award. Alabama courts are empowered to use their own judgment when reviewing the factors based on the circumstances for each case.

The 9 factors assessed by Alabama courts to determine alimony include:

1. Individual income. Whether either spouse needs alimony and can either afford it.
2. The education level of each spouse.
3. Potential career growth and earning potential for each spouse based on age.
4. How long the marriage lasted (days, months, years, etc.).
5. The quality of life over the course of the marriage.
6. Whether a spouse has dependent children.
7. If a spouse behaved in a way that contributed to the end of the marriage contract.
8. Independent equity and credit of each spouse outside of income.
9. The mental and physical health of each spouse.

An experienced alimony attorney understands that an alimony award will be affected by these factors and the circumstances of the case. They should be able to construct a persuasive argument in your favor.

This blog post should not be taken as official legal advice. If you need more information on divorce and alimony, it’s best to speak with an experienced attorney, like Daniel H. Chambers, Attorney at Law, PC.

Chambers is a respected attorney in the Alabama legal community who takes pride in successfully negotiating favorable settlements for his clients because he never wants his clients to spend a dime more than necessary.

Chambers is also prepared to fight for you in the courtroom. He prepares every case as if it will head to trial because he wants to be ready to make the best possible arguments on your behalf at the negotiating table and in court.

Click here to get a free consultation with an experienced Birmingham, AL family lawyer.