Child support in Connecticut is determined by the Child Support Guidelines. The relevant numbers are plugged into a child support worksheet. Then, depending on the number of minor children, a child support number is derived. This number is presumed to be correct. As a result, child support can be determined rather easily in most cases. There are, however, limited circumstances in which the child support awarded can be adjusted, up or down, if specified “deviation criteria” are met.
On to alimony.
For starters, not all divorce cases involve the payment of alimony. Child support is almost ordered since it is desgined to benefit the child.
When alimony is ordered, there are no worksheets. And there is no precise formula in calculating the amount.
Instead, the following factors are considered:
- The length of the marriage;
- The education, job skills and earning potential of the spouse seeking support;
- The income and debt of both spouses;
- Health and age of both parties;
- Standard of living during the marriage;
- Valuation of marital assets in the property settlement;
- Future value of financial assets awarded in the property settlement;
- Role and expectations of the spouses during the marriage;
- Causes for the divorce (fault);
- If children are involved, the desirability of the custodial parent securing employment.
A few thoughts.
Alimony represents the financial needs of either spouse in dollars. As such, alimony is gender neutral. Long gone are the days where alimony is only awarded to women.
Compared to child support there is much less certainty in the amount of alimony a judge may award. However, experienced lawyers can offer a range of what to expect.
Divorce judges are afforded much discretion in entering alimony orders. Therefore, negotiating an appropriate amount is often the preferred approach rather having a judge decide financial orders at trial.
A spouse who is paying alimony is typically ordered to obtain or maintain life insurance for as long as he or she has an obligation to pay alimony. The spouse who is receiving alimony is named as the beneficiary on the policy.