When does an alimony obligation begin?

In Maine, an alimony obligation begins when the court enters a written order that specifies the alimony award. The alimony order is usually part of a larger divorce decree. Generally, alimony is meant to provide support for the party with a lower income or fewer financial resources after a divorce. The court will consider many factors when determining the type of alimony that should be ordered and the amount that should be paid. Some of these factors include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning potential, and any marital assets or debts. They’ll also consider the age of each spouse, their health, and any other extenuating circumstances. The alimony obligation typically starts at the date of the divorce decree. However, the court can specify a future date when the alimony obligation will begin. This is especially common if the recipient spouse has been unemployed for a lengthy period of time and needs time to get back on their feet financially. It’s important to note that alimony is usually paid on a regular basis and the court can order either one or both spouses to make payments. Alimony payments generally end when the recipient spouse remarries or either party passes away.

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