If you’re the higher earning spouse, and you’re considering a divorce, you’ve likely lost a few hours of sleep over the potential alimony payments. In fact, questions about the length of alimony payments in Utah, the amount of alimony payments in Utah, and the probability of paying alimony in Utah, are often among the first questions asked in family law offices. Unfortunately, there are no one size fits all answers to these questions. However, you can get a good idea of your chances of paying alimony by understanding the factors that go into a judge’s decision.
Will I Have to Pay Alimony?
A lot of factors can go into determining whether or not your ex will be entitled to alimony. If you have been married for longer than five years, you will be more likely to pay alimony than someone who has only been married for six months. Your spouse’s income and education are also factors in whether or not they will be entitled to alimony. An ex making significantly less than their former spouse may have a good chance of getting alimony. Whereas an ex who makes a similar income to their former spouse will likely not get any alimony at all.
How Long Will I Pay Alimony For?
Permanent alimony is the boogie man for a lot of higher income spouses. However, in 2021, permanent alimony is very rare. Judges typically award alimony for half the duration of the marriage. However, it is not uncommon for a court to award alimony for the full length of the marriage, though it would be uncommon for alimony to be awarded beyond the length of the marriage. Permanent alimony is typically reserved for marriages that are decades long, and one spouse has serious health conditions, or has little education or work experience.
How Can I Avoid Paying Alimony?
Everyone wants to know how to make sure their ex doesn’t get a dime. But there isn’t a legal way to prevent your ex from getting alimony they’re legally entitled to. Sometimes people attempt to hide their assets in court in order to lessen their chances of paying alimony. However, this often comes out in court and, when it does, it tends to benefit the spouse seeking alimony. If you are concerned about paying alimony, your best course of action is contacting a family law attorney to walk you through your options. Second, by encouraging and helping your ex get a job is a good way of reducing your ex’s reasonable and necessary need for alimony as well.
What Happens if I Don’t Pay Alimony?
Deciding to not pay your ex the alimony they’re legally entitled to just might be the most surefire way to make sure they don’t get any alimony. But beware: not paying court-ordered alimony is illegal and can result in hefty fines and jail time. If you refuse to pay alimony, you could be held in contempt of court until you pay what you were ordered to pay. Therefore, it is best to follow all court orders, including paying alimony.
If You’re Worried About Alimony
In marriages where the income isn’t equal, divorcing spouses often worry about being broken by alimony payments. If you’re concerned about alimony payments, you need help ensuring the best outcome. An experienced family law attorney can help you secure the best outcome. At CoilLaw, our attorneys are experts in alimony and just a phone call away.
