How much does alimony cost?

Question

Anyone out there paying alimony? What does it cost, as a percentage of your income (not including child support)? For how many years did the court order you to pay?

Any help you can offer is appreciated. Thanks! :)

@ choicetx -- this is merely a hypothetical question. i have never been married or divorced; just satisfying my curiosity. thanks for the answer tho! :)

@ colleen -- thanks for your answer! i'm skeptical that most states don't still award alimony -- can you cite a source where i can do more research? thanks again for answering :)

just wanted to clarify; i know it depends on several variables. what i'm hoping to get are some sample numbers to provide a baseline of real world scenarios (preferably as percentage of income from primary job). thanks to everyone who has responded, and keep the answers coming! :)

@Tgirl -- all 50 US states have adopted "no-fault" divorce laws. the existence of these laws mean that factors like adultery, abuse, neglect, etc. have no influence on the ability to get a divorce. as far as whether they influence the amount of alimony -- well, that is less clear, because (i think) judges have a tremendous amount of leeway when it comes to determining alimony amounts, and therefore the impact of factors like marital unfaithfulness is less obvious.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_fault_divorce

i'm no expert by any means; i encourage you to show me more resources so i can do more research! and be a skeptic! check it out for yourself, and keep the answers coming!

thanks :)

@TGirl (again) -- clarification: by "no impact on the ability to get a divorce", what i really mean is that you can get a divorce without having to prove to the court that adultery, abuse, neglect etc. occurred. again, what impact those factors have on alimony is uncertain, and (i think) will vary from judge to judge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alimony#Factors_affecting_alimony

keep the answers coming! :)

Answer 1

It depends in the state that you live and the amount of money she or he makes..... Alimony is designed for the other party to make that finacial change that comes with a divorce. It should be a short term idea, but some people take advantage of the other party.... If you know that you are getting a divorce, staying home and not getting ready is the worse part.... not only for the person but for the children and the finacial future of those kids..
Alimony comes with many factors to answer- What are the monthly expenses, how long have you been married, what is the cause of your divorce and most importantly how good is your lawyer? Good Luck and all you can do is the next right thing for your kids and you exsignificate other- Remember at one point, he or she was the best thing in your life!!!!!

Answer 2

In most states alimony is no longer awarded. When it is it is usually only long enough for the other spouse to "get on their feet", if the "displaced spouse" stayed home during the marriage it lasts long enough for her/him to get training to work outside the home and to find a job. The only time alimony is for "life" is when the "discplaced" spouse is disabled and can not work. How much YOU pay depends on your financial situation as well as the cost of living in the area your spouse lives in. There is no set amount as every divorce is different as well as every state has it's own rules governing such matters.

Answer 3

A heck of a lot more than staying married.

Answer 4

it goes by Your income and Hers... just like child support

Answer 5

It is hard to say but I would say that if you cheated on your spouse in the marriage you pay more than if you didn't cheat.

Answer 6

It all depends on your income.

Answer 7

It depends on income doesn't it?