Is alimony calculated differently if the parties were married for a short period?

Yes, alimony is calculated differently if the parties were married for a short period. In Washington, alimony is typically awarded when the length of the marriage is less than five years. The goal of a short-term alimony award is to provide financial support to the less-monied spouse while they transition to a life of self-sufficiency. Short-term alimony is usually awarded on a limited basis to give the recipient time to become independent and self-sufficient. When determining the amount of short-term spousal support, the court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning ability, each spouse’s age and health, each spouse’s ability to pay alimony, and the extent of the recipient’s reliance on the other spouse’s income during the marriage. The court may also consider the lifestyle the couple had during the marriage and whether the recipient can maintain that same lifestyle. Additionally, the court may consider whether the recipient is caring for children, and any retirement divisions between the parties. Finally, the court may consider whether the recipient is attending school or working to become more employable. The court also takes into account the recipient’s future earning capacity when calculating alimony for a short-term marriage. This means that the court may consider the amount of alimony necessary to support the recipient until they can make the transition to self-sufficiency. Alimony may be modified or terminated if the recipient’s earning capacity or circumstances change.

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Is alimony calculated differently if the parties were married for a short period?

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