When a financial need is determined for a party requiring assistance in the dissolution of marriage, the court may deem it necessary that the oth-er party provide financial means of support for a determined length of time based on a range of factors from quality of lifestyle to educational training and ability to acquire adequate employment.
The allocation of alimony is established by the courts reviewing employ-ment opportunities and incomes of each party, as well as, other aspects that may include but are not limited to, child custody, length of marriage, health issues and even the division of property. A marriage that lasted for a longer period of time, tends to award more alimony to one party in-volved.
The reason for alimony, is to allow a transition from the marriage to a life-style after the dissolution of marriage for the spouse that earns a lower income, allowing them to be able to rebuild a life without the other party.