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Rhode Island Alimony

The Rhode Island divorce court can order an alimony award for either or both spouses. State divorce laws may also refer to alimony as spousal support or maintenance.

The Rhode Island divorce court will consider many factors when determining alimony, including:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Spouses' conduct during the marriage - if one part was at fault under Rhode Island grounds for divorce
  • Health, age, occupation, income, vocational skills and employability of each spouse
  • Liabilities and needs of each spouse

The Rhode Island divorce court may also consider:

  • Which parent has primary physical child custody
  • The extent that each spouse can be self-supporting, taking into account
  • Amount of time a spouse was unemployed while fulfilling homemaking responsibilities and if any education, skills or experience has become outdated or earning capacity has diminished
  • Time and expense required for the supported spouse to gain the education or training to develop marketable skills and find employment
  • Probability of completing education or training and becoming self-support
  • Standard of living established during the marriage
  • Each spouse's opportunity to gain more capital assets and income
  • Supporting spouse's ability to pay, considering earning capacity, earned and unearned income, assets, debts and standard of living
  • Other relevant factors

The Rhode Island divorce court may review and modify alimony if there is a substantial change in circumstances. If the receiving spouse remarries, alimony payments will be terminated.

Working with a local Rhode Island divorce lawyer can help you understand alimony law and how it will affect you and your financial future. Connect today by calling 877-349-1310 or filling out a Rhode Island divorce case review form. Make sure what your are paying or receiving is fair, and work with a Rhode Island divorce attorney.

The above synopsis of Rhode Island divorce laws is by no means all-inclusive and has been adapted from applicable state laws. These laws may have changed since our last update and there may be additional laws that apply in your situation. For the latest information on these divorce laws, please contact a local Rhode Island divorce lawyer in your area.

Rhode Island divorce laws were last updated July 2009.

Note: Keep in mind that all divorce laws are complex. If you need legal divorce advice or want to fully understand how these laws affect you, please speak with a local divorce attorney.

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