Alimony in Delaware
State-specific overview · Family Law
Delaware awards alimony based on statutory factors without rigid formulas, and termination occurs upon remarriage or cohabitation of the recipient.
How Delaware treats Alimony
Delaware courts exercise discretion in setting alimony amounts and duration, considering factors such as the length of marriage, standard of living, and each party's financial resources and earning capacity. The state does not impose income caps or strict percentage-based formulas. Alimony terminates automatically if the recipient remarries or enters into a cohabitation arrangement with another person.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.