The Factors Connecticut Courts Weigh for Alimony
Connecticut has no alimony formula. The court weighs the length of the marriage, the causes of the dissolution, each party’s age, health, income, earning capacity, education, employability, estate and needs, and the property award.
Whether to award alimony
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. 46b-82(a), at the time of entering the decree the Superior Court may order either of the parties to pay alimony to the other, in addition to or in lieu of an award pursuant to section 46b-81. Either spouse can be the payer, and the court is not bound to a request: it decides on the evidence.
The factors
In determining whether alimony shall be awarded, and the duration and amount of the award, the court considers the evidence presented by each party and shall consider the length of the marriage; the causes for the annulment, dissolution of the marriage or legal separation; the age, health, station, occupation, amount and sources of income, earning capacity, vocational skills, education, employability, estate and needs of each of the parties; and the award, if any, that the court may make under section 46b-81.
A parent with custody of minor children
In the case of a parent to whom the custody of minor children has been awarded, the court also considers the desirability and feasibility of that parent’s securing employment. That makes the children’s ages and needs, and the parent’s earlier work history, part of the evidence.
Earning capacity and needs
The statute lists “earning capacity” separately from “amount and sources of income,” so a court can look at what a party could earn as well as what he or she earns. Bring evidence of education, work history, health and the job market, and a budget showing each household’s needs.
The property award
Because the property award is one of the factors, the court decides property first and then looks at what is still needed. See how Connecticut divides property.
What to gather
Income and expense records for both spouses, the marriage dates, work and education history, health information that bears on employability, and information about the property each spouse is likely to receive.
Try your own dates
The Connecticut alimony calculator shows how far back a change in alimony could reach once a motion is served; the factors above decide whether a change is made.
Frequently asked questions
What factors does Connecticut consider for alimony?
The length of the marriage, the causes of the dissolution, each party's age, health, station, occupation, income, earning capacity, vocational skills, education, employability, estate and needs, and the property award.
Does fault matter for Connecticut alimony?
The statute lists the causes for the dissolution of the marriage among the factors the court considers.
Can either spouse be ordered to pay alimony in Connecticut?
Yes. The court may order either of the parties to pay alimony to the other.
Does child custody affect Connecticut alimony?
For a custodial parent of minor children, the court considers the desirability and feasibility of that parent securing employment.
Does the property division affect Connecticut alimony?
Yes. The award, if any, the court may make under section 46b-81 is one of the factors.
Official sources
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Connecticut statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Connecticut attorney.