Post-judgment maintenance (alimony) is determined by which of the following?

Post-judgment maintenance (alimony) is determined by which of the following?

• A. Fixed by statute
• B. Set by factors
• C. Cannot be modified
• D. Ends after 5 years

Answer: (B)

Maintenance after a divorce is determined by evaluating a set of factors rather than applying a fixed amount. Courts look at multiple considerations—income and earning potential of both spouses, the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, the ages and health of the parties, needs of the dependent spouse, and the ability of the other spouse to pay, among others. Because these factors guide the award, the amount and duration aren’t fixed by statute and can be changed if circumstances change. It’s also not universally capped at a specific term like five years, and it can be ended by events such as death or remarriage in some contexts. Therefore, the correct view is that post-judgment maintenance is set by factors.

Maintenance after a divorce is determined by evaluating a set of factors rather than applying a fixed amount. Courts look at multiple considerations—income and earning potential of both spouses, the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, the ages and health of the parties, needs of the dependent spouse, and the ability of the other spouse to pay, among others. Because these factors guide the award, the amount and duration aren’t fixed by statute and can be changed if circumstances change. It’s also not universally capped at a specific term like five years, and it can be ended by events such as death or remarriage in some contexts. Therefore, the correct view is that post-judgment maintenance is set by factors.