How alimony works in Louisiana

Alimony is intended for helping the receiving spouse maintain the same standard of living post-divorce that he or she had while married. Louisiana alimony law says that family law courts, either during or after a divorce, may grant alimony for a spouse that needs financial support.

However, the expectation is that this spouse will land on his or her feet and be able to be financially stable within a reasonable amount of time.

There are a few different types of alimony awards. Temporary alimony takes a few factors into consideration, i.e. fault, the standard of living during the marriage, and financial need.

Louisiana takes “fault” into huge consideration when the courts make alimony decisions. While making alimony decisions, before the courts calculate the exact accounts, they have to “first establish that the spouse requesting alimony is not at fault for the breakdown of the marriage”, from Divorce Net.

During the divorce, either spouse may ask for temporary alimony. After the divorce process is complete, either spouse may ask for short-term or permanent alimony.

Even when a court decides on alimony awards, they can be changed. Alimony ends under 3 circumstances. One circumstance is if the receiving spouse remarries. Another is if either spouse dies. The third circumstance is if the receiving spouse lives with a partner or either gender.

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