Unlike child support, the question of how much is to be paid in alimony can often be a very difficult question to answer. There are no hard and fast guidelines for all judges to follow.

There are, however, some general principles that usually hold true. In a short term marriage alimony is much less often required. In long term marriages, alimony would tend to be used to equalize income. If there will be a fairly long term payment of child support, alimony is less likely to be ordered. If the marriage has had little impact on the wife's earning capacity, alimony will be less. The longer the marriage and the more disparate the earning capacities, the higher the alimony will be.

One retired Judge has devised a formula to allow for a calculation, in cases where payment is called for. It requires the incomes of both to be added together and divided by 1.8. The resulting figure is the amount that the payor will be allowed to keep. Another sitting judge reduces this calculation by 15%. Still a third judge requires alimony in the amount of 1/3 the difference in the parties' incomes.

Unfortunately alimony decisions will vary from case to case, day to day, and judge to judge. Whether paying or receiving, the issue of an appropriate alimony amount is one that is best dealt with by agreement of the parties and guidance from an experienced divorce attorney - Roland A. Turmaine.

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Roland A. Turmaine, Attorney
227 Chelmsford Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Tel: 978-250-4980
Fax: 978-256-7812
Email: Roloand@RolandTurmaine.com

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