Utah courts award alimony if one spouse earns less than the other. That rule seems simple enough, but setting both the amount and length of alimony payments can be very complicated. Alimony’s purpose is to equalize the standard of living of the former spouses and to ensure each party enjoys the same quality of lifestyle during the marriage. Many times, there simply is not enough money to go around. Lawyers and judges must do the best they can with what they have.
My name is Melvin A. Cook and I am a Salt Lake City alimony attorney. My financial background gives me an advantage in these types of cases. You can see the difference in cases that the Law Office of Mel A. Cook handles. You and I will do the math and develop a fair plan that both sides can accept or the judge will approve.
There is a long list of factors that the judge may consider in awarding alimony, and all of them are important. In a broad sense, alimony payments should be based on the obligor’s ability to pay and the obligee’s need. Alimony is not a tool to punish one spouse and reward the other spouse. Alimony is strictly a post-divorce economic equalizer.
The court may consider almost anything it deems relevant when determining alimony payments. Some statutory factors include:
After considering all these factors, the court may order either of these types of alimony, or possibly both:
Either party has the option to go back and ask the court to change the alimony payments later, and both the duration and amount are subject to post-divorce modification.
At the Law Office of Melvin A. Cook, I can help you use alimony to even out the financial inequalities between you and your ex-spouse. To speak with a Salt Lake City alimony Attorney, contact my office at 801-746-5075 or online to schedule your free consultation. Hablo Español.
When it comes the family law and social security disability , each client and case is different. It is also important to select an attorney with the experience, skills and professionalism required to address your legal issues. To learn more, contact the Salt Lake City law offices of Melvin A. Cook and schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case.