How long must a marriage last to qualify for alimony?

In the state of Arkansas, a marriage must last at least three years before a spouse may be eligible to receive alimony payments. The duration of the marriage is one of the main factors that courts consider when determining whether alimony is appropriate. Other considerations may include the income and financial resources of each spouse, the division of marital assets, the earning capacities of both spouses, and the financial needs of each spouse. An Arkansas court may award alimony for a period beginning after the separation of the spouses and ending upon the remarriage of the recipient, the death of either spouse, or the termination of the court order by either party. The court also considers the standard of living enjoyed by both spouses during the marriage when deciding the length of the alimony payments. It is important to note that courts may award alimony even if a marriage did not last for three years. A court may decide that special circumstances exist that warrant the awarding of alimony regardless of the duration of the marriage. Such circumstances may include domestic violence, a substantial imbalance of income and resources, or a clear need for one spouse to maintain a certain standard of living.

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