What is alimony?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is an arrangement in which one spouse provides financial assistance to the other after a divorce or separation. This financial assistance is intended to ensure that both parties are able to maintain similar lifestyles. In Alaska, alimony is usually determined by considering factors such as the length of the marriage, the age and health of the spouses, their incomes, and assets. The amount and duration of alimony is generally influenced by the length of the marriage, and the difference in the incomes of the spouses. For example, if one spouse made significantly more money than the other during the marriage, alimony could be used to even out the difference so the lower earning spouse could still maintain a comparable lifestyle. Alimony can also be used to cover educational expenses. In some cases, it can be awarded as a lump sum. Case law in Alaska indicates that alimony awards should be made with the goal of allowing both spouses to become self-supporting within a reasonable amount of time. The court can order alimony to be paid in periodic payments, or as a lump sum. The amount of alimony that will be awarded is up to the discretion of the court based on the individual circumstances of the case.

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