Almost. Awarding lifetime alimony in Connecticut is becoming increasingly rare – even in long-term marriages. The trend reflects the notion that there are more employment opportunities available for women who have traditionally been the recipient of spousal support.
The more common approach is to award time limited alimony, known as rehabilitative alimony, to the lesser earning spouse. This allows the alimony recipient a period of time to acquire work outside the home and become self-sufficient.
How long would the alimony last? Courts and lawyers often attempt to estimate when the alimony recipient can gain employment and therefore increasingly less dependent on spousal support. Factors for this estimate include prior employment history and experience, particular job skills, education and training. If young children are living with the alimony recipient, it would also include balancing daycare costs against the projected income the spouse could earn.
The length of the marriage, health and ages of both spouses also determine the period of alimony. In certain extreme cases, fault, may alter the alimony award in one spouse’s favor. However, the fault must be shown to have caused the breakdown of the marriage.
Massachusetts became the most recent state to limit alimony awards. Connecticut still permits an award of lifetime alimony though it is fading fast.
Please email me or call (203) 259-5251 to discuss lifetime alimony in Connecticut.
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