Divorce

A judge will consider the following factors when deciding if alimony is appropriate:

• your finances and property, including property awarded to you as part of the divorce;
• your ability to meet your needs on your own, including whether you have a child living with you and are receiving child support;
• the time you would need to get the necessary education or training to allow you to find a job and the likelihood of you completing the education or training and becoming self-sufficient, given your age and skills;
• your standard of living during your marriage and how much of that standard of living was funded by debt;
• the length of your marriage;
• the loss of earnings, seniority, retirement benefits, and other employment opportunities that you sacrificed during the marriage to support the other parent or your child;
• the length of time you were out of the workforce and how much your education, skills, or experience have become outdated and reduced your earning capacity;
• your age;
• your physical and emotional condition;
• your spouse’s ability to meet her/his needs while paying you spousal support;
• your contribution to advance your spouse’s career or business; and
• the need of both spouses to prepare for retirement and the anticipated time of retirement.¹  

Note: A judge will not consider your or your spouse’s misconduct during your marriage when determining alimony.¹

¹ Minn. Stat. § 518.552(2)