Does Connecticut Have Lifetime Alimony?

Many people wonder whether it is possible to receive lifetime alimony in Connecticut.  It is.

Lifetime alimony, often called “open ended” alimony, is alimony that a court orders while a divorce is pending.

Read on to learn more.

Alimony Timeframes

There are three types of alimony timeframes in Connecticut:

• Temporary or Pendente Lite Alimony
• Rehabilitative or Time Limited Alimony
• Lifetime or Open Ended Alimony

Read: How Long Does Alimony Last?

Lifetime Alimony Criteria

When deciding whether to award lifetime alimony, Connecticut courts use the same factors as they do when awarding alimony in the final divorce order.  They only exception is that courts do not consider the grounds for the divorce.

Read: What Factors Are Considered When Determining Alimony in a Connecticut Divorce?

Open Ended or Lifetime Alimony

Lifetime alimony does still exist in Connecticut, although it is becoming less common.  In fact, as of 2013, courts must specify their reasons when awarding open ended alimony.

As to under what circumstances courts do award it, the key is to remember that although there are factors for alimony awards, both divorce itself and alimony specifically are equitable in nature.   The court has abundant discretion with respect to whether and how it awards alimony.

Very generally speaking, judges tend to award lifetime alimony more often in cases with a long marriage, one spouse worked outside the home, and the other spouse did not.  It’s also possible that a spouse’s disability might play a part in persuading a judge that a lifetime award is appropriate.

Next Steps

To start making a plan for your divorce, reach out.  Our first step at Freed Marcroft, the Goals & Planning Conference, is designed to get to the heart of your problem and unveil your true goals.  We analyze those goals, plus the facts of your case, and present you with recommendations and options to move forward.

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