I work full time. Can I still get alimony?

When you work full time and are planning to divorce, wondering "can I get alimony" is a natural question to ask. The simple, yet admittedly vague answer is "maybe" because there are so many factors that a court will take into consideration when deciding whether or not to award alimony, spousal support or spousal maintenance.

One of the first considerations is the state that you live in, because the laws concerning divorce are different from state to state. It really is important to find a local divorce attorney who can answer your basic questions about divorce laws where you live. That being said, depending on the laws in your state this is what is likely to be taken into consideration when deciding if you should receive alimony even though you are working full time:

• How your full time income compares with that of your spouse. The court will look at whether or not your spouse can afford to pay alimony to you and if there is a large disparity between your incomes. If your spouse makes considerably more money than you do and your standard of living will be significantly worse after divorce without alimony, you may have a chance.
• The length of your marriage. If your marriage was of a short duration, defined in some states as under five or even under ten years you may not be eligible for alimony under your state laws. Conversely, if your marriage lasted decades before the divorce you are likely to be in a better position to receive alimony.
• If the divorce is a fault divorce, and you were the spouse found to be at fault you may not be eligible for alimony.

Get Legal Help

There are many different kinds of alimony and spousal support available. You may not need permanent alimony, but may need temporary support while you complete your education or look for a better paying job. Discuss your needs with an attorney as soon as possible so that you understand what options may be available to you as you rebuild your life after divorce.