alimony/spousal support

Question 1

,

gender neutral alimony

Answer 1

unconstitutional to declare spousal support for one gender

Question 2

contemporary alimony

Answer 2

• gender-neutral
• entitlement of dependant spouse
• mostly rehabilitative, may be permanent
• cap in amount and length in some states

Question 3

factors

Answer 3

• need
• standard of living during the marriage
• ability to pay
• recipients likelihood of becoming public charge
• marital misconduct (fault) or economic fault (no-fault)

Question 4

contemporary alimony modification

Answer 4

modifiable by death, unemployment or remarriage by recipient.
- substantial, material, unanticipated change in party’s circumstances required
- cohabitation generally does not terminate alimony but may show a change in recipients need

Question 5

modification (simplified)

Answer 5

requires sufficicent, involuntary change of circumstances