How do courts decide how much spousal support to award?

In Wisconsin, courts use a variety of factors to decide how much spousal support to award. These factors include the length of the marriage, the age and health of both parties, the earning capacities of both parties, and how long it would take for the receiving spouse to become self-supporting. The court will also take into account non-economic factors such as the contributions one spouse has made toward the other’s career or education. The court will also consider the financial resources and needs of both spouses before awarding spousal support. This includes income, assets, liabilities, and other economic factors. For example, the court may take into account the cost of raising children, the cost of medical or other expenses, or the need for a down payment on a home or other property. Finally, the court may consider the marital standard of living. This is the lifestyle the parties enjoyed during the marriage. The court may take into account contribution made by either spouse towards the marital lifestyle, so as to ensure the receiving spouse can maintain a similar lifestyle after the divorce. The court will also look at any debts that have been accrued during the marriage, and the ability of each party to pay for them. The court will consider all of these factors together to determine how much spousal support to award, if any. The court has the ability to modify spousal support awards at any time, should the circumstances of either party change. It is up to the court to make a fair and equitable decision based on the circumstances of each individual case.

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