How is spousal support determined?

For spousal support to be determined, the party seeking support fundamentally has to prove (1) there is a need for support and (2) the other party has the ability to pay. More broadly, this proof is evaluated based on 11 factors:

• past relations and conduct of the parties
• the length of the marriage
• the party’s ability to work
• the source and amount of property awarded to parties
• the ages of the parties
• the ability to pay spousal support
• the party’s present situation
• the party’s needs
• the party’s health
• the prior living standard of the parties and whether the parties support others
• general equity principles