Alimony

The court has discretion to make orders for alimony in divorce and legal separation proceedings. Consideration for alimony is based on the financial need of one party, and on the ability of the other party to meet that need. The alimony statute is gender neutral, meaning that either spouse can ask for alimony consideration. Alimony is meant to be "rehabilitative" in nature, and can be ordered for a limited or unlimited period of time depending on the circumstances.

To determine alimony the court may consider many factors. The length of the marriage, age, health, and occupation of the spouses, other sources of income, whether either party has been found to be at fault in a divorce, or other relevant circumstances all have bearing on the amount and duration of alimony.