Do I have to support my wife after divorce?

Do I have to support my wife after divorce?

In short, there is a common law duty imposed upon spouses to support each other whilst the marriage/civil partnership exists but what many people aren't aware of is that the duty continues after separation as a result of statute. There is no automatic entitlement to spousal maintenance on divorce or dissolution.

What is a fair amount for alimony?

Under the formula, alimony is set at 30 percent of the higher-earning spouse's income, minus 20 percent of the lower-earning spouse's, as long as the recipient doesn't end up with more than 40 percent of the couple's combined income.

How is spousal support calculated?

There is no firm dollar figure for spousal support. The amount should be decided by both parties. Some common ways of calculating spousal support are to take up to 40% of the paying spouse's net income (post-child support), less 50% of the amount of the supported spouse's net income (if he or she is working).

How long after divorce do you have to pay alimony?

Generally, for short-term marriages (under ten years), permanent alimony lasts no longer than half the length of the marriage, with “marriage” defined as the time between the date of marriage and the date of separation. So, if your marriage lasted eight years, you may expect to pay or receive alimony for four years.