How your age can determine alimony payments

Divorce can be a stressful process at any age it occurs. If you were not the primary earner in your marriage, it can place a large hindrance on your immediate and far future financial goals.

However, age is an important factor that Pennsylvania courts consider when deciding the amount of alimony that your ex could owe you. It is critical that you are aware of the different ways your age can determine alimony payments before you head to court.

Younger individuals are more open to change

Alimony can support the financially lacking spouse until there is a substantial change in circumstances. These usually involve one of the spouses obtaining a new job or marrying a second time. If you receive a higher paying job or marry someone else that can financially support you, your ex can request a modification or termination of the alimony payments.

Because of this, younger divorcees tend to receive more limitations on how much alimony is owed to them and how long it will last. The court believes that they will have more time to learn new skills, obtain a financially stable job and possibly marry a second time in the future.

Older divorcees require more financial aid

Though alimony is typically designed to be temporary financial assistance for recent divorcees, older individuals that are close to retirement or were married for a long time may require more payment.

Older ex-spouses would have a difficult time learning new skills or being physically able to apply for well-paid positions. Combine this with dealing with medical and retirement expenses, and the court could require your ex to pay permanent alimony. The amount they owe you is also dependent on your eligibility for your ex’s social security benefits, which requires at least 10 years of marriage.

It is important to review the physical and financial conditions of both you and your ex when preparing your alimony case. These payments could help you adjust better after your marriage, so it is important to seek any legal advice you need when preparing for the court.