Alimony in Alaska

The Basics for Alimony in Alaska

Typically, in any divorce, it’s normal to have some sort of financial trouble. Hence the reason for alimony. Particularly in regard to alimony in Alaska, if finances are a difficulty due to a divorce, the court may consider it given the proper requirements. But first this is the definition of alimony in Alaska:

One Spouse Pays the Other Spouse for the Purposes of Maintaining Income

That’s basically it. There’s no complex reason other than the fact that many times one spouse dealing with a divorce may not have the same income levels as in the marriage. So it would stand to reason that alimony in Alaska might be necessary.

In the state, there are two types of alimony:

1. Rehabilitation Support

2. Reorientation Support

While it’s also known as ‘spousal support,’ alimony in Alaska does have some main unique characteristics that can be separated into these two categories. It’s not just simply a need for one spouse to receive financial maintenance from the other, for just any reason.

‘Rehabilitation’ support is when the spouse seeking alimony will receive payments from the other spouse for the purposes of education and/or training to help increase the possibility of income to sustain a household. There are those types of situations where one spouse in a marriage has no degree or certification or some other form of education to qualify him or her for a decent job. That’s the purpose for ‘rehabilitation’ support.

Any spouse should consider that in the state of Alaska, the court reserves the right to remove support in the event that the alimony is being used for something other than education or training. This type of alimony in Alaska typically lasts four years, the regular time it would take to obtain a degree.

Now the other form of alimony, ‘reorientation’ alimony, is something completely different. Instead of focusing on educational and/or training needs, sometimes it’s the case in a divorce petition that the need to relocate, possibly change jobs, obtain new furniture, etc. etc., can prevent any single spouse from sustaining suitable financial levels to live appropriately.

It’s for this reason that ‘reorientation’ alimony is necessary, allowing a spouse seeking support to receive payments from the other spouse to help deal with the readjustment in life due to the divorce.

This is important to know: not every divorce case may involve alimony. To be sure, more often than not one party in a divorce may end up in less than desirable financial means. But there are, in fact, certain considerations the court will take into account before awarding alimony to a party in a divorce.

Requirements for Alimony in the State of Alaska.

1. The Age of Both Spouses

2. The Physical Condition of Both Spouses

3. The Emotional Well-Being of Both Spouses

4. The Finances of Both Spouses

5. The Standard of Living During the Marriage

6. The Duration of the Marriage

7. And the Payer’s Ability to Make Payments While Supporting Himself/Herself

The court will consider all these factors before making a decision, and it’s these factors that will determine if alimony is necessary, which type alimony is necessary, and how much alimony is necessary.