Is there a time limit set in CT alimony laws?

Connecticut alimony laws allow courts to grant alimony or spousal support on a case-by-case basis. Anyone who is married and seeking a divorce under Connecticut law may request alimony as part of the divorce decree. However, alimony is not guaranteed in every case even when it is requested. The court considers the overall circumstances of both parties as well as the length of the marriage in determining the issue of alimony.

Types of Spousal Support

• Temporary – granted prior to final divorce decree if deemed necessary
• Short-Term – granted to facilitate employability through education, training, or skill development generally
• Long-Term or Permanent – typically granted in cases of long marriages where one spouse’s income greatly exceeds the other's

Factors for Awarding Alimony

Factors that determine whether alimony is granted include the following:

• Length of marriage;
• Causes of dissolution;
• Age, health, situation, occupation, income, skills, employability, assets and needs of each spouse;
• Property division; and
• Whether custody of a minor child impacts earning capacity of the custodial spouse.

Connecticut courts also consider whether either party was at fault in determining whether to grant alimony and the amount and duration of the alimony payments. 

Time Limit

In Connecticut, the court determines the set amount of time for the alimony as well as the amount. Additionally, either party may request modification or termination at any time based on provable change of circumstances impacting either the paying party’s ability to pay or the receiving party’s need.

Taxes

Additionally, in Connecticut alimony payments may be claimed as a deduction on federal income taxes. The alimony recipient is required to claim the payments as income if the payments are part of a mandatory award.

Talk with an experienced attorney to discuss Connecticut's alimony laws.