Does alimony have to be requested in the divorce petition?

In Arkansas, alimony does have to be requested in the divorce petition. Alimony is a type legal support paid by one spouse (the payor) to the other spouse (the payee). It is intended to help the payee meet financial needs created by the divorce. In Arkansas, alimony is technically referred to as "maintenance" and is typically granted when one spouse either lacks the financial ability to maintain their standard of living after the divorce, or when one spouse has more financial resources than the other after the divorce. In Arkansas, alimony can only be requested in the divorce petition and not afterwards. This means that if a spouse who would otherwise be eligible for alimony does not include a request for it in the divorce petition, they will not be able to later request alimony from their former spouse. In addition to requesting alimony in the divorce petition, the requesting spouse should also provide the court with financial information and evidence that proves their eligibility for alimony. The Arkansas courts also require that a spouse seeking alimony must use their best efforts to become self-supporting. The type and amount of alimony granted in an Arkansas divorce is ultimately determined by the court based on evidence presented and the legal requirements of the state. Every divorce case is unique, so it is important for both spouses to understand their legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to alimony.

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Does alimony have to be requested in the divorce petition?

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