Owensboro Spousal Support Attorney

Understanding Alimony in Kentucky: Divorce and Financial Support

Alimony payments, also known as spousal support or maintenance, are awarded by a judge in a divorce case to help the less financially secure spouse maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed during marriage. Alimony can be temporary or permanent, and the amount and duration of alimony payments can vary widely depending on the facts of the case.

Need help determining your alimony rights? Contact our alimony attorneys in Owensboro at (270) 926-5050

Time Limits for Alimony in Kentucky

Yes, there are time limits on when an alimony case can be brought in Kentucky. For example, the court can order permanent alimony if the supported spouse will not be able to become self-supporting within a reasonable length of time.

In addition, the following time limits apply to alimony cases:

• Alimony can be awarded for a maximum of 20 years in a marriage lasting more than 15 years.
• For marriages lasting less than 15 years, alimony can be awarded for a maximum of five years.
• If the payor's income increases by at least 10%, the payee can request a modification of the alimony payments.

If you are paying alimony in Kentucky, contact our Owensboro alimony attorneys at (270) 926-5050 to discuss your options.

Calculating Alimony in Kentucky: Key Factors to Consider

Like we said above, the amount and duration of alimony payments can vary widely based on the unique facts of each case. However, there are a few factors that can impact how an alimony award is calculated.

• The duration of the marriage – Alimony can last for a maximum of 20 years in a marriage lasting more than 15 years. In marriages lasting less than 15 years, alimony can be awarded for a maximum of 5 years.
• The difference in income between the spouses – If the spouse paying alimony earns significantly more than the spouse receiving it, then the court may decide to award less alimony.
• The standard of living during the marriage – The court may award less alimony if the supported spouse's standard of living is likely to decrease after the divorce.
• The ability of the payor spouse to pay – If the payor spouse can prove that their ability to pay has been significantly reduced, then the court may award less alimony.

Duration of Alimony Payments in Kentucky: What to Expect

As we mentioned above, there are several factors that can impact how long an alimony order lasts. However, the length of alimony payments can generally be expected to last no longer than half the length of the marriage. For example, alimony can be awarded for a maximum of 20 years in a marriage lasting more than 15 years. In marriages lasting less than 15 years, alimony can be awarded for a maximum of 5 years.

In addition, the following time limits apply to alimony cases:

• Alimony can be awarded for a maximum of 20 years in a marriage lasting more than 15 years.
• For marriages lasting less than 15 years, alimony can be awarded for a maximum of five years.
• If the payor's income increases by at least 10%, the payee can request a modification of the alimony payments.

If you are paying alimony in Kentucky, contact the alimony lawyers at (270) 926-5050 for help.