How is alimony calculated during divorce in Utah?

Unlike child support there is no formula that the courts use to determine a Utah alimony calculation. Alimony can be more drawn out and expensive to deal with than most other legal issues in divorce.

Utah Alimony

If a divorcing couple owns a business or other complicated property, division at divorce and alimony decisions can be extremely difficult to figure out. In Utah these are the four factors that courts use to determine whether alimony is awarded:

1. Duration of the marriage. Short marriages generally do not qualify for alimony; whereas, longer marriages, of 10 or more years may qualify.
2. Need of the recipient spouse. Need must be established based on household income and other evidence.
3. Ability of the paying spouse. If the paying spouse makes considerably more income than the receiving spouse, then it is more likely that alimony will be granted.
4. Establishing a fair lifestyle for both parties at divorce. This is generally based on the lifestyle established during marriage.

Getting Legal Help

If you believe you are entitled to or may be required to pay alimony as a result of divorce, it is in your best interests to contact a Utah divorce lawyer immediately. An attorney can help you plan your approach and protect your interests. Alimony could impact you for the rest of your life if you leave it up to a court.