Factors the Family Court Judge Will Consider

Many issues will be considered when the judge arrives at a decision about whether to grant spousal support:

•          Income and property of each party.

•          Needs of each party.

•          Present and anticipated future earnings of each party.

•          Standard of living established during marriage.

•          Age, physical and emotional condition of both parties.

•          Whether any valid premarital agreement or postnuptial agreement existed between the parties.

If the judge agrees to order spousal maintenance, the two issues in question will be the amount of spousal support and the duration (how long support will continue). The duration of spousal support is closely linked to the length of the marriage.