Spousal support or spousal maintenance is commonly known as alimony. Spousal support is often awarded to the spouse that earns significantly less than the other spouse in marriages that have spanned at least several years.

You and your spouse can agree to the amount and length of time alimony will be paid but if you cannot agree then a court will determine the terms for you. This can be costly and time consuming.

Durant Abernethy knows divorce can be emotionally upsetting. As a ‘lawyer who listens’ he understands the added stress of worrying about your future financial support or obligations. If you need guidance and advice on your rights and responsibilities please call us at 816-836-9911 for a free consultation.

Kansas and Missouri use different guidelines when determining an award, as well as the amount and duration of the support.

Many factors are an issue in the award. Some including:

• The financial resources of the party seeking alimony, including their portion of marital property and their ability to meet their needs independently, including any provisions required for children involved;

• The time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking alimony to find appropriate employment;

• The comparative earning capacity of each spouse;

• The standard of living established during the marriage;

• The duration of the marriage;

• The ability of the spouse contributing the alimony to meet their own needs while meeting the needs of the spouse seeking alimony;

• The age and the physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking alimony;

• The conduct of the parties during the marriage; and

• Other relevant factors.

In the cases of abandonment or remarriage other factors will be considered when determining spousal support.