Few issues in a divorce are as hotly contested as alimony. Whether you’re the paying spouse or the receiving one, our attorneys can advocate for your best interests. We have a deep knowledge of Utah alimony laws and use this knowledge, plus our considerable experience in representing clients in divorce negotiations, to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
At Felt Family Law & Mediation, we advocate for your interests—not your spouse’s—whether you’re the spouse requesting alimony or the one who would be paying it. Please contact us today for a consultation with a Layton, UT, alimony lawyer.
What Can A Layton Alimony Lawyer Do For Me?
If there is a significant income disparity between divorcing spouses, a judge will likely award alimony to the lesser-earning spouse. In some cases, it may be durational, providing the lesser-earning spouse with support to finish education or vocational training or just enough support through the divorce process.
Our clients usually aim to achieve a divorce settlement out of court, avoiding the stress of a trial. However, sometimes, especially if there are questions of alimony, the two parties cannot agree on a compromise, and the case goes before a judge. We create a strong argument in your favor, building a case for your position. We represent your interests in court and in negotiations.
We carefully review the contributions you made to the marriage, both material and supportive, as in the role of stay-at-home parent or homemaker. If you’re the spouse petitioning for alimony, we fight to ensure that you receive the highest amount for the longest period of time. If you are the spouse of whom alimony is being requested, we can help ensure that as much of your assets and income are preserved.
Determining Alimony In Utah
Utah family law judges have multiple options when assigning alimony. They usually consider each spouse’s current income, earning potential, and the duration of their marriage. They may also consider whether one spouse requires support to finish a degree or vocational training so they are better able to secure gainful employment post-divorce.
While we know that family law judges strive for equity and fairness when determining alimony, we also understand that our client’s views of equities and their spouse’s can be vastly different. This is why having skilled legal representation is so critical to achieving the best possible outcome for your divorce. We list your contributions to the marriage and household and present them to a judge. Or, we can represent you in mediation, seeking a more creative solution that suits your current situation best.
Representing Your Best Interests In Alimony Claims
If you’re going through a divorce, you deserve to have the best possible financial situation to face your new future. Whether you’re the spouse who deserves alimony or the spouse being asked to pay your ex, trust a Layton alimony lawyer to vigorously advocate for your best interests. Contact Felt Family Law & Mediation today for a personalized consultation.
6 Common Reasons Alimony Is Ordered In Divorce
At Felt Family Law & Mediation, we regularly help clients address questions related to spousal support. Over the years, our Layton, UT alimony lawyers have seen a consistent set of reasons why courts in Utah order alimony. Whether someone is preparing for divorce or responding to a legal claim, understanding the main causes of alimony can help people know what to expect.
With experience both inside and outside the courtroom—and a background in teaching that brings a unique perspective to family law—our lead attorney is especially aware of how divorce impacts families. His love for children helps guide our approach to working with both parents through difficult transitions.
Here are the most common reasons a court may order alimony in a divorce case.
1. Large Income Gap Between Spouses
One of the most common triggers for alimony is a significant difference in income between spouses. When one person has been the primary earner and the other has not worked or earned far less, the court may find it appropriate to order support so that both parties can maintain a similar standard of living, at least for a period of time.
2. One Spouse Left The Workforce To Support The Family
Often, a spouse may step away from a career to care for children or manage the household while the other focuses on work. In these cases, alimony may be awarded to help the stay-at-home spouse transition back into the workforce or receive training to increase earning potential. Courts consider sacrifices made during the marriage when deciding these matters.
3. Long-Term Marriages
Length of the marriage can play a major role in alimony decisions. Longer marriages often involve a deeper level of financial dependence between spouses. If a couple has been married for many years, the court may be more likely to order spousal support—sometimes for a longer duration—especially if one spouse has been financially reliant for most of that time.
4. Health Or Disability Concerns
In some cases, alimony is ordered because one spouse has a health issue or disability that limits their ability to work. If someone is unable to support themselves due to medical reasons, the other spouse may be required to provide financial support. Courts generally weigh these personal factors alongside financial data.
5. Support For Career Or Education During Marriage
If one spouse supported the other through school or career development, alimony may be considered as a way to balance that investment. This often happens when one person worked while the other attended school or built a business. Judges look at whether the benefits of that support were shared equally before the marriage ended.
6. Fault-Based Divorce Claims
While not as common as other factors, misconduct such as adultery or financial deception can sometimes influence spousal support awards in Utah. Courts generally prefer to focus on finances rather than behavior, but certain actions during the marriage or divorce process can have an impact on the final outcome.
Speak With Us
At Felt Family Law & Mediation, we understand that divorce affects more than just two people—it also impacts children, extended family, and future plans. Our lead attorney’s background as a teacher and his commitment to the best interests of children guide how we support clients. He’s also served in multiple leadership positions within Utah’s legal community, including President of the Utah Bar Dispute Resolution Section (2021–2022), President of the Weber County Bar (2020), and a committee member of the Utah Bar Young Lawyer’s Committee (2015–2017). His work has been recognized with several awards, such as ABA Top 40 Young Lawyer (2020–2021), Utah Bar Pro Bono Young Lawyer of the Year (2017), and Top Family Law Firm in Layton, UT (2021).
If you have questions about spousal support or are involved in a divorce, working with our Layton alimony lawyer can give you a better sense of what to expect. At Felt Family Law & Mediation, we focus on practical, clear solutions that fit each client’s needs. Whether you’re seeking alimony, defending against a claim, or just want to know your rights, reach out to our Layton alimony lawyers and team. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
