Yes, Wyoming does award alimony, often referred to as spousal support, through its family courts. Wyoming law permits the family court to order financial support from one spouse to the other after a divorce. The primary purpose of such an order is to help maintain the quality of life and financial security for both spouses following the dissolution of the marriage.
Understanding Alimony in Wyoming
In Wyoming, alimony is not automatically granted in every divorce case. Instead, it is determined on a case-by-case basis by a judge who considers various factors to ensure a fair and equitable outcome. The goal is often to help a financially dependent spouse become self-sufficient or to maintain a semblance of the lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage, especially in long-term unions.
Factors Considered for Spousal Support
When deciding whether to award alimony and determining its amount and duration, Wyoming family courts typically consider several key factors. These factors help the court assess the financial needs and capabilities of each spouse.
Here are common factors courts may evaluate:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Length of the Marriage | The longer the marriage, the more likely spousal support may be awarded. |
| Financial Resources of Each Spouse | Includes income, assets (marital and separate), debts, and earning capacity. |
| Age and Physical/Mental Health | The current health and age of each spouse can impact their ability to earn income. |
| Standard of Living During the Marriage | The lifestyle established by the couple during their marriage. |
| Contributions to the Marriage | Both financial and non-financial contributions, such as raising children or maintaining the home. |
| Time Needed for Education or Training | The time required for the requesting spouse to acquire education, training, or employment to become self-supporting. |
| Conduct of the Parties | While not always a primary factor, fault in the divorce may sometimes be considered in rare instances. |
Types of Alimony Awards
While Wyoming statutes provide broad discretion, alimony can generally be structured in several ways:
- Temporary Alimony: Awarded during the divorce proceedings to cover expenses until the final divorce decree.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: Designed to provide support for a specific period, allowing the recipient to acquire education, training, or experience to become self-sufficient.
- Permanent Alimony: Typically awarded in long-term marriages where one spouse is unlikely to become self-supporting due to age, health, or other incapacitating factors. However, this is increasingly rare.
- Lump-Sum Alimony: A one-time payment instead of ongoing periodic payments.
It is important to understand that alimony orders can often be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances for either party, such as a substantial change in income or health.
For further information on family law in Wyoming, you can explore resources such as general legal guides on Wyoming divorce law from reputable legal information websites.
