Connecticut courts may grant alimony or spousal support on a case-by-case basis. The award of alimony is never guaranteed. The court considers the circumstances of the parties and the length of the marriage in deciding. In Connecticut, courts may consider whether either spouse is at fault in determining whether to grant alimony, its amount and duration.

According to the Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 815j, Section 46b-82, the Connecticut court may order either spouse to pay alimony.

Alimony can certainly influence how the marital property distribution is awarded, and it can become a very intricate part of the divorce.

The court decides the duration of support, but either party may request modification or termination at any time based on provable change of circumstances. These changes range from the payor’s ability to pay to the recipient’s need.

In Connecticut courts can grant three types of alimony. The first option is temporary, which is awarded prior to final divorce decree as needed. There is also short-term, which is granted to facilitate employability through education, training, or skill development generally. Finally, there is long-term or permanent, which is generally granted in cases of long marriages where one spouse’s income greatly exceeds the others and the interests of justice require alimony.

In Connecticut alimony is discretionary. According to Connecticut General Statutes - Title 46b - Chapters 82 and 86, the Superior Court may order award alimony to either spouse.

In determining amount and duration, the court will considers: