To request temporary spousal maintenance in Arizona, you must file a petition through your local family court and provide sufficient evidence regarding why you require financial assistance. Most temporary spousal support orders are valid until the divorce becomes finalized unless the court decides to extend the order.
First Step: Eligibility for Alimony Judges may award alimony to a spouse who: doesn't have enough property to meet that spouse's needs, even after the couple's property has been divided in the divorce. doesn't have enough earning ability in the labor market to be self-sufficient.
A. What is Arizona's policy about spousal maintenance duration? Under A.R.S. § 25-319(B), as revised effective September 24, 2022, the spousal maintenance award is only for a period of time and in an amount necessary to enable the receiving spouse to become self-sufficient.
In Arizona, alimony is considered reasonable if it is less than 50% of the paying spouse's income pre-divorce. Most reasonable spousal maintenance payments fall between 15% and 30% of the paying spouse's pre-divorce income to enable the receiving spouse to meet their own needs.
Judges are given broad discretion in whether to order Spousal Maintenance. It is not guaranteed. Further, the Arizona Supreme Court is directed to establish guidelines based on different factors that are outlined in A.R.S. § 25-319 that will determine whether a spouse in eligible to receive maintenance.
Arizona law does not use a strict formula for calculating spousal maintenance, unlike child support. Instead, courts consider a variety of factors, including: Income and Earning Potential: The income of both spouses and their potential to earn post-divorce is a critical factor.
If you qualify for alimony, the amount awarded will depend on several factors, including: The same factors used to decide if you qualify. Your marital standard of living. You and your spouse's age, health, earning capacity and relative financial resources.