How Spousal Support Is Calculated in Vermont

by | Aug 27, 2015 | Attorneys

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In Vermont, alimony is an assignment to help former spouses. The funds are assigned according to the spouse’s income level during and after the divorce. The first step to gaining spousal support is included the request in the divorce petition.

Identifying the Marital Standard of Living
Alimony is awarded to help the spouse maintain the same standard of living experienced during the marriage. The court helps them to achieve this lifestyle by ordering their spouse to provide monthly compensation. The assignments are typically for the spouse who didn’t want to leave the marriage. However, this isn’t the case all the time.

Examining the Length of the Marriage
The length of the marriage is a vital factor. Over a matter of years, either spouse becomes financially dependent on the other. The lost of the additional income could produce a financial hardship or inability to support themselves. The court reviews the duration and potential dependency to determine if support is needed.

Reviewing the Earning Potential of Each Spouse
The earning potential is a relevant factor when assigning alimony payments. When both parties have the same opportunities, they could start over without long-term support. The court reviews the education, work history, and skill set of each spouse. They determine if further educational programs could help the spouse increase their earning potential.

In cases where these programs are helpful, the court orders their spouse to pay the full cost of their continued education. Alternately, the court orders them to submit payments to their former spouse to cover these expenses.

Rehabilitative or Permanent Maintenance
Alimony assignments come in two forms. They are either rehabilitative or permanent. Rehabilitative alimony helps the former spouse to make changes such as enrolling in college courses. These assignments are temporary. They could also help to support the former spouse as they look for permanent employment.

Permanent maintenance is paid for the duration of the former spouse’s life. However, some exceptions may apply. If the remarry and regain their previous standard of living, the payments are stopped.
Spouses in Vermont acquire financial assistance under certain circumstances. The assignment and value is based on what is needed to maintain a specific standard of living. Divorce petitioners who wish to gain spousal support should visit domain URL for further instruction.

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