How Is Alimony Calculated in Missouri?

What Is Alimony?

Alimony is a financial support payment made from one ex-spouse to the other following the dissolution of a marriage. This support is intended to balance economic disparities and help the receiving spouse maintain a standard of living similar to that enjoyed during the marriage, at least until they can become self-sufficient.

Key Factors Affecting Alimony in Missouri

Missouri courts evaluate several critical aspects when considering alimony:

1. Financial Needs and Resources: The court examines the financial needs of the spouse seeking maintenance and their ability to meet those needs independently. This includes current income, employment prospects, and overall financial stability.
2. Length of the Marriage: Longer marriages typically suggest a greater likelihood of alimony and potentially longer durations, reflecting the intertwined financial lives of the partners.
3. Earning Capacities: Each spouse’s earning capacity plays a crucial role, considering age, physical and emotional health, and the impact of other responsibilities, like childcare.
4. Standard of Living: The lifestyle established during the marriage is a significant factor, as the goal of alimony is often to allow the receiving spouse to continue living a comparable lifestyle.
5. Parental Responsibilities: This section considers each spouse’s responsibilities towards minor children and how these responsibilities affect their earning capacities.
6. Contributions to the Marriage: Contributions by either spouse to the career or education of the other and contributions as a homemaker can influence alimony decisions.
7. Conduct of the Spouses: While not always a factor, the spouses’ behavior during the marriage can impact the court’s decisions regarding alimony.

How Alimony Decisions Are Made

The process starts with determining the need for maintenance. If one spouse cannot support themselves through appropriate employment or if they are the guardian of a child whose condition prevents the spouse from seeking employment outside the home, maintenance may be considered necessary. The court then uses the factors listed above to determine the amount and duration of alimony.

Practical Advice from The Betz Law Firm

If you are going through a divorce and alimony is a potential part of your proceedings, having an experienced attorney who understands Missouri’s laws and how they apply to your unique situation is crucial. At The Betz Law Firm, we provide expert guidance to protect your rights and financial interests throughout your divorce process.

Our team is dedicated to offering compassionate and comprehensive support, helping you navigate the complexities of alimony and other aspects of divorce law with confidence and clarity.