Home Varying Factors How Does The Marriage Length Factor Into Divorce

How Does The Marriage Length Factor Into Divorce

How Does The Marriage Length Factor Into Divorce

When an individual is filing for alimonyin the past. There are several factors that are considered by a judge when deciding whether or not to award alimony. There are only a few set alimony laws and statutes. Because of this, it is up to each individual family court judge to decide whether a spouse should get alimony. One factor that is considered is the length of time that a couple has been married for. The longer a couple has been married, the more likely a spouse is to be awarded some form of alimony when filing for divorce.
If the marriage only lasts for a short period of time, alimony laws make it difficult for a spouse to collect alimony. A short marriage is generally considered to be one that lasts less than five years. However, some states, such as Texas, have alimony laws in place that requires a marriage to last for at least ten years before a spouse can be awarded alimony. Sometimes, the length of the marriage is not as important as whether or not the couple has children. If a couple filing for divorce has children, especially young children, the spouse with physical custody is more likely to be awarded alimony.
There are times when alimony laws allow for a spouse to receive alimony whether they have had a lengthy or brief marriage. Since alimony laws are not clear, judges must rule on a case by case basis. A judge may decide that the circumstances of a marriage warrant alimony payments, even if the marriage was short. The number of years that alimony must be paid may also depend on the length of the marriage. A spouse who is filing for divorce after 20 years of marriage may get permanent alimony. A spouse filing for divorce after five years may get temporary alimony for a set number of years, which allows them to get back on their feet.
Alimony laws may grant spousal support whether the couple has been married a long time. However, it is much more likely that a spouse in a long term marriage will be awarded alimony payments then a spouse in a short marriage.