CDA Spousal Support & Alimony Calculations 3

Question 1

A marriage lasted 25 years and one spouse never worked outside the home. Courts in most states would likely award which type of support?

Accepted Answer

Permanent or long-term alimony

Answer

Long marriages where one spouse gave up career opportunities often result in permanent or long-term alimony awards.

Question 2

The 'needs and ability to pay' standard in alimony cases primarily evaluates:

Accepted Answer

The recipient's financial need versus the payer's financial capacity

Answer

Courts balance the recipient's demonstrated financial need against the paying spouse's actual ability to make support payments.

Question 3

When calculating alimony, 'imputed income' means the court:

Accepted Answer

Assigns income to a spouse based on earning capacity, not actual earnings

Answer

Imputed income is assigned when a court believes a spouse is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed and could earn more.

Question 4

A CDA client's spouse received a large inheritance during the marriage. How does this typically affect an alimony award?

Accepted Answer

Inherited assets may be considered as a resource reducing the recipient's financial need

Answer

While inheritances are usually separate property, courts may consider them as a financial resource when assessing the recipient's need for alimony.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'bridge-the-gap' alimony?

Accepted Answer

Short-term support to help a spouse transition from married to single life

Answer

Bridge-the-gap alimony covers a very short transition period (often 2 years or less) to help a spouse manage immediate post-divorce needs.

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