What is a permanent alimony award?

A permanent alimony award is a type of alimony or spousal support that is granted in a California court and is paid to one spouse for an indefinite amount of time. This type of alimony is usually granted to a former spouse that doesn’t have the income-earning capability to support themselves, and is based on factors such as age, health, and economic need. Depending on the circumstances, a permanent alimony award could be granted to a former spouse for a lifetime or until they remarry or either spouse passes away. In California, permanent alimony awards are typically only available to those who have been married for a significant amount of time and in long-term marriages where the spouses have a financial dependence. There are certain factors that a judge will consider when determining the amount of alimony to award, to ensure that the spouse will be able to maintain their lifestyle to the extent that it was during the marriage. These factors include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning ability, the age and health of the parties, and the standard of living that the couples were accustomed to during the marriage. The goal of a permanent alimony award is to ensure that the party receiving the alimony is able to maintain their lifestyle to the extent that it was during the marriage. Courts have the discretion to award permanent alimony in a California divorce, however, permanent alimony is generally awarded in long-term marriages where the parties have a greater financial dependence on each other.

Related FAQs

Is alimony awarded if the recipient moves to a different state?
When does an alimony obligation begin?
Can a court award retroactive alimony payments?
Are alimony payments deductible for the payor?
Does alimony have to be paid if the payor is unemployed?
Are alimony payments deductible for both spouses in some states?
Does alimony terminate if the payor remarries?
What are the tax implications of alimony?
Can a court order a lump sum alimony payment?
What are the qualifications for alimony in California?

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