Alimony calculation can be a little bit complicated in Wisconsin, but fortunately, you won’t have to do the math yourself.
Alimony, which is technically called spousal maintenance, is support given from one spouse to another during and after a divorce. The money is designed to help the receiving spouse get on his or her feet, and it can be awarded for a certain period of time or indefinitely.
How Do Judges Determine Alimony?
Judges determine how much alimony to award a financially dependent spouse by considering several factors, including:
- How much money the couple made when they pooled their incomes
- How much money each spouse has when they’re separated
- Expenses of both parties
- Whether each spouse has the ability to support him- or herself
- How old each spouse is
- Whether there are special circumstances, such as one spouse being unable to work for some reason
- The tax consequences for both parties involved
The court will also consider the future earning capacity of each spouse, based on his or her educational level (and whether one spouse contributed to the education or earning power of the other).
Will You Definitely Pay or Receive Alimony?
There’s no way to predict whether a judge will order alimony in any case. Because the factors can vary so much in every case, it really is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Can Alimony Calculations Change Over Time?
A court can change the alimony calculation it has performed if there’s a good reason to change it. Courts will look for a substantial change in circumstances (such as one spouse losing his or her job, remarrying or paying more in living costs).
Do You Need to Talk to a Milwaukee Alimony Lawyer?
If you’re divorcing and you need to talk to an attorney who understands alimony in Wisconsin, whether you’ll have to pay it or you’ll receive it, we’re here to help.
Call us at 414-383-6700 for a free divorce case review. We’ll answer your questions and provide you with specific legal advice you can use to begin moving forward with your life.
