In Arkansas, when one spouse pays financial assistance to help the other spouse , that assistance is called “alimony.” (Alimony is sometimes referred to as “spousal support” or “maintenance”.) Arkansas judges have wide discretion in deciding whether to award alimony, as well as the amount and duration.
What qualifies you for alimony in Arkansas?
Qualifying for and Determining an Amount of Alimony
each spouse's current and anticipated income , including future earning ability. each spouse's resources, assets, and debts, including any award of marital property. the marital standard of living, and. the length of the marriage.
Is there alimony in Arkansas?
In the state of Arkansas, a divorced spouse, or spouse in the process of filing a divorce, may file for an alimony order for the individual to maintain the standard of living maintained during the marriage. ... Alimony is awarded at the final judgment of the judge and court deciding the case.
How much alimony will I get in Arkansas?
While Arkansas law offers a general guideline of 20 percent of the supporting spouse's net income , judges have no obligation to adhere to that and can award as much or as little as they deem appropriate. Alimony has no relation to child support, which is mandatory and has strict formulas for calculation.
What are grounds to receive alimony?
The age, physical condition, emotional state, and financial condition of the former spouses ; The length of time the recipient would need for education or training to become self-sufficient; The couple's standard of living during the marriage; The length of the marriage; and.
Is Arkansas A 50/50 divorce state?
Arkansas is an “equitable distribution” state when it comes to property division in the dissolution of a marriage. ... Arkansas law presumes that a couple's marital property will be split between them 50-50 , but several factors may lead a judge to change to unequal distribution.
How long is alimony paid in Arkansas?
The duration of payments is determined by a judge in Arkansas family court. Alimony length is usually based on length of marriage – one commonly used standard for alimony duration is that 1 year of alimony is paid every three years of marriage (however, this is not always the case in every state or with every judge).
Is cheating illegal in Arkansas?
Adultery is the act of cheating on a spouse during any point in the marriage. It is a physical act, not an emotional one under Arkansas law . When citing it as a reason for the divorce, the party alleging the misconduct may ask the court to favor him or her during various stages of the process.
Can you date while separated in Arkansas?
Once the court finalizes your divorce, you or your spouse can remarry or start dating. Because Arkansas is a fault state for divorce, dating before the divorce is finalized can give the other side grounds for divorce.
Do you have to pay alimony if spouse cheats?
In California, an adulterous spouse isn't forced to pay alimony due to infidelity. Punitive damages are not awarded on this basis. Instead, alimony is only required based on the financial needs and abilities of the spouses .
How is alimony calculated?
– High-end amount: Find the difference between the gross incomes of the two parties. ... If there are children, you can calculate a general amount by taking the net disposable incomes of each of the parties, after taxes, deductions and childcare expenses, to leave 40-46% of the total to the recipient of spousal support .
How much alimony will I get?
Common methods for calculating spousal support typically take up to 40% of the paying spouse's net income , which is calculated after child support. 50% of the recipient spouse's net income is then subtracted from the total if he or she is working.
How can I not pay spousal support?
- Strategy 1: Avoid Paying It In the First Place. ...
- Strategy 2: Prove Your Spouse Was Adulterous. ...
- Strategy 3: Change Up Your Lifestyle. ...
- Strategy 4: End the Marriage ASAP. ...
- Strategy 5: Keep Tabs on Your Spouse's Relationship.
Can you be denied alimony?
Alimony begins as soon as a divorce order requiring it is signed by the judge. A spouse who refuses to make the required alimony payments can be held in contempt of court . This means the supported spouse can file a show cause action (motion) against the spouse refusing to make alimony payments.
Do I have to support my wife after divorce?
As long as the couple remains married, the court does not set a time limit on spousal support . Maintenance on the other hand, is support the higher-earning spouse pays after the divorce is finalized.
What a woman should ask for in a divorce settlement?
There are many factors to consider, including assets, incomes, living expenses, inflation, alimony , child support, taxes, retirement plans, investments, medical expenses and health insurance costs, and child-related expenses such as education.
