Alimony in Vermont
State-specific overview · Family Law
Vermont awards alimony based on need and ability to pay; courts consider the length of marriage and earning capacity.
How Vermont treats Alimony
Vermont courts may award alimony when one spouse lacks sufficient income or property to meet reasonable needs, using a discretionary standard that examines the length of marriage, each party's earning capacity, and contributions to the household. The state has no fixed formula or statutory durational limits, allowing judges to tailor awards to individual circumstances. Alimony terminates upon the recipient's remarriage, cohabitation, or either party's death. Courts may award rehabilitative, periodic, or lump-sum alimony, with longer marriages more likely to result in extended or indefinite support.
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 Vermont.