What is the longest alimony?

Asked by: Mr. Clement Casper  |  Last update: March 14, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (42 votes)

The longest alimony, often called indefinite or permanent alimony, generally lasts until the death, retirement, or remarriage of the recipient, or a significant change in circumstances, though many states limit duration based on marriage length (e.g., 20+ years often allows for indefinite support), with Florida and a few others still allowing it for long marriages, while some states have moved away from it. In very long marriages (e.g., 30+ years), alimony might be for a set period, like 10 years in Texas, but "permanent" support can continue indefinitely in some jurisdictions.

What states have lifetime alimony?

In fact, only seven states—Florida, Oregon, Connecticut, New Jersey, Vermont, West Virginia, and North Carolina—still allow for the permanent payment of alimony (typically for the life of the payor or recipient, or until the beneficiary remarries or cohabitates with another person).

How long does alimony last in the US?

The court will determine how long you or the other party will receive alimony. If you have been married for 20 years or longer, there is no limit to how long you can receive alimony. However, if you were married for less than 20 years, you cannot collect alimony for more than 50% of the length of the marriage.

At what age do you stop paying alimony?

One change of circumstances is retirement. California law, for at least 15 years or so, has indicated that if a person reaches what has been the typical retirement age of 65, it is not necessary to keep working just to pay spousal support.

Do I have to support my wife after divorce?

In the United States, it is the judge's role to decide how marital assets should be divided and whether spousal support (alimony) should be awarded. By closely examining each spouse's income, assets, and circumstances, the judge can determine whether support is necessary, how much should be paid, and for how long.

Permanent Alimony Is OVER.. And Women Are Not Happy

29 related questions found

What is a wife entitled to after 15 years of marriage?

You are generally entitled to one half of the marital property which would include anything acquired during the marriage; however, you would also generally be responsible for one half of the marital debt. Additionally, if your husband makes significantly more money than you do, you may qualify for spousal support.

How do people calculate alimony?

Estimate Alimony Payments. Common methods for calculating spousal support typically take up to 40% of the paying spouse's net income, which is calculated after child support. 50% of the recipient spouse's net income is then subtracted from the total if they are working.

How long do you have to pay your ex-wife after divorce?

Just how long you have to pay is based on how the court sets up the alimony. It can be negotiated between you and your ex-spouse or the court can determine the length of time. But usually alimony is paid until the receiving spouse gets remarried or if one of the spouses pass away.

What is the hardest state to get alimony in?

Texas is arguably the hardest state in which to get alimony in divorce. While eligibility for spousal support is narrow and duration and amount restricted, marital misconduct may be taken into account in setting the award.

Who has the highest alimony payment?

From Gates to Bezos: 8 largest ever alimony settlements that rival nations' GDP

  • 1/9. Largest alimony settlements ever. ...
  • 2/9. Bill Gates and Melinda Gates (2021) - USD 76 Billion. ...
  • 3/9. Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott (2019) - USD 38 Billion. ...
  • 4/9. Rupert Murdoch and Anna Murdoch (1999) - USD 1.7 Billion. ...
  • 5/9. ...
  • 6/9. ...
  • 7/9. ...
  • 8/9.

What state does not do alimony?

There isn't a state in the U.S. that will not enforce an alimony order. But enforcement is rarely automatic. Instead, the supported spouse must usually make a request to start the process. Alimony laws vary from state to state, including the requirements and methods for collecting past-due alimony.

Is infidelity a factor in alimony?

In summary, while cheating itself is not a direct factor in determining alimony under California law, the court may consider certain circumstances related to the infidelity when making decisions about spousal support and property division.

What role does income play in alimony?

Income Discrepancy Between Spouses

Courts heavily weigh the financial gap between spouses when deciding alimony in high-income divorces. A significant discrepancy often means the lesser-earning spouse may require support to maintain stability after the divorce.

Does alimony affect taxes?

The person receiving the alimony does not have to report the alimony received as taxable income. Prior to the changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, alimony payments were tax-deductible by the person making the payment.

What money can't be touched in a divorce?

Property you didn't earn, like a gift or inheritance one of you received while married, is not community property. Generally, a loan to pay for one spouse's education or training (student debt) is treated like that spouse's separate property. After you divorce, that spouse will be responsible for their student debt.

What is the 2 2 2 rule for marriage?

The concept is simple: every two weeks, go on a date; every two months, plan a weekend getaway; and every two years, go on a longer trip together. This rhythmic approach emphasizes intentional time without overwhelming busy schedules, allowing partners to nurture their relationship in bite-sized, meaningful ways.

What is the biggest mistake during a divorce?

5 Biggest Mistakes You Must Avoid Making During Divorce

  1. Waiting Too Long to File for Divorce. It's natural to want to wait to file for divorce. ...
  2. Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney. ...
  3. Moving Out of the Marital Home Too Soon. ...
  4. Failing to Separate Finances Early. ...
  5. Trying Too Hard to Avoid Litigation.

What is the 10-10-10 rule for divorce?

The 10/10 Rule states that if a couple has been married for at least ten years, during which the service member has completed at least ten years of creditable military service, the non-military spouse is entitled to receive a portion of the military retirement pay directly from the Defense Finance and Accounting ...

What not to do during separation?

Don't rush and make emotional decisions, turn down opportunities to spend time with your children, say bad things about your spouse, take on more debt, hide income and assets, get a new boyfriend or girlfriend, or say anything on social media about your situation.

What are the 3 C's of divorce?

The 3 C's of Divorce Explained: Communication, Cooperation & Compromise. Divorce is one of life's most challenging experiences, filled with emotional turmoil, legal complexity, and difficult decisions.

Can my husband quit his job to avoid alimony?

No, you cannot simply stop paying alimony for any reason, even if you lose your job. Living without a steady income can be scary and it likely has implications for various aspects of your life. However, your obligation to pay alimony is legally enforceable so you cannot decide on your own to forgo paying.

Am I responsible for my spouse's credit card debt in divorce?

The bottom line. You are generally not responsible for your spouse's credit card debt unless you are a co-signer for the card or you're a joint cardholder on the account. However, state laws vary, and divorce or the death of your spouse could also impact your liability for this debt.

In what states can you sue your spouse for cheating?

In What States Is Adultery Illegal? Adultery is illegal in a few states, including Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. It's charged as a misdemeanor in most states but qualifies as a felony in Michigan, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.