Legal Notes: About Alimony

8. Health and age of the couple.
The age and health of the parties, including, but not limited to, consideration of emotional distress resulting from domestic violence perpetrated against the supported party by the supporting party where the court finds documented evidence of a history of domestic violence against the supported party by the supporting party.

9. Tax consequences.
The immediate and specific tax consequences to each party.

10. Hardships.
The balance of the hardships to each party.

11. How self-sufficient can a supported spouse be in time.
The goal that the supported party shall be self-supporting within a reasonable period of time.

12. Anything else?
Any other factors the court determines are just and equitable.

If the court’s jurisdiction is reserved, given a change of circumstances and good cause, one can ask for a review and modification of the support payments at any time. For example, spousal support can be modified in instances where the income of one of the former spouses has changed substantially. Monthly payments can be increased or decreased accordingly. In some states, like California, spousal support is a serious matter. Non-payment can result in the revocation of drivers, business, and professional licenses, fines, or even jail time. If you need information about the duration, amount and/or enforcement of spousal support obligations, consult an attorney.