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Imagine a marriage as a partnership building a house. When the partnership ends, both people need a safe place to live. Sometimes, one person has the keys to a sturdy home, while the other is left standing in the rain. Alimony—also called spousal maintenance—is Arizona’s way of making sure both people have a fair shot at rebuilding after divorce. But not everyone qualifies, and the law sets out specific criteria for who gets this support.
Alimony is not a punishment or a reward. It’s a tool to help a spouse who cannot meet their needs right after divorce. Arizona’s law, ARS §25-319, is the blueprint judges use to decide if alimony is needed, how much should be paid, and for how long. The law recognizes that every marriage is different, and so is every divorce.
Arizona courts look at several factors to decide if someone is eligible for alimony. Think of these as five doors. If you can open at least one, you may qualify for support.
After dividing up the marital property, the court checks if one spouse has enough to cover essentials like housing, food, and healthcare. For example, if a spouse receives a car and some savings but not enough to pay rent and bills, the court may see a need for alimony. In 2024, Maricopa County judges found that 27% of alimony awards were based on this factor alone.
Some people leave the workforce to raise children or support their spouse’s career. When divorce happens, they may not have the skills or recent experience to get a job that pays the bills. Courts look at age, education, and work history. For instance, a 50-year-old who hasn’t worked in 20 years may need time and support to retrain or find a job. In Arizona, more than two-thirds of alimony recipients in 2024 cited a lack of recent work experience as a key reason for their claim.
If you put your dreams on hold so your spouse could go to school or climb the career ladder, the court takes this into account. For example, a husband who worked nights so his wife could finish medical school may be awarded alimony as recognition for his sacrifice. The law values these contributions, seeing them as investments in the marriage.
Sometimes, a spouse gives up a promotion, moves to a new city, or works part-time to care for children or elderly parents. These choices, made for the good of the family, can leave someone at a disadvantage after divorce. Arizona courts look for evidence of these sacrifices, such as emails about turning down a job or testimony from family members.
The longer the marriage, the more likely it is that one spouse will struggle to become self-sufficient, especially if they are older. For example, a 60-year-old who spent 30 years as a homemaker may not be able to start a new career. In these cases, the court may award long-term or even indefinite alimony, though this is rare and usually reserved for marriages of 20 years or more.
Let’s see how these criteria play out in real life. Linda and Mark were married for 22 years. Linda stayed home to raise their three children while Mark built a successful business. When they divorced, Linda was 54 and had not worked outside the home since her twenties.
Linda’s share of the marital property included a car, some savings, and half the equity in their home. However, her monthly expenses for rent, food, and health insurance far exceeded her income from a part-time job she found after the separation. She also had no recent work experience and needed to take classes to update her skills.
Mark argued that Linda could find full-time work and that he should not have to support her indefinitely. The court looked at the facts: Linda’s long absence from the workforce, her age, her role in supporting Mark’s career, and the length of the marriage. The judge decided Linda qualified for alimony and ordered Mark to pay $2,500 per month for seven years, giving Linda time to retrain and become self-sufficient.
This case shows how Arizona courts balance the needs and abilities of both spouses, using the law as a guide but also considering the unique story of each family.
Judges don’t just check boxes. They weigh all the evidence, looking for fairness. They consider the standard of living during the marriage, the physical and emotional health of both spouses, and any special needs. If one spouse is disabled or caring for a child with special needs, the court may order more support. If the paying spouse faces job loss or illness, the court may adjust the amount or duration.
Arizona is a “no-fault” state, so the reasons for the divorce, like infidelity, do not affect alimony decisions. The focus is on financial need and ability to pay, not on who was “at fault.”
Many people believe that alimony is automatic or that it lasts forever. In reality, only about 12% of Arizona divorces result in long-term alimony, and most awards are for a set period. Another myth is that only women receive alimony. In 2024, 41% of recipients in Arizona were men, reflecting changing family roles and earning patterns.
Some think that remarriage or living with a new partner always ends alimony. While remarriage usually does, cohabitation may only reduce or end support if the new partner is helping with expenses and the paying spouse can prove it.
If you are seeking alimony, gather evidence of your financial needs, your contributions to the marriage, and any barriers to self-sufficiency. Keep records of your job search, education efforts, and health issues. If you are contesting alimony, document your financial obligations and any evidence that your ex can support themselves.
Working with an experienced attorney can make a big difference. At Moon Law Firm, we help clients present clear, compelling cases—whether they are seeking support or defending against unfair claims. We use financial experts, vocational assessments, and detailed documentation to ensure the court sees the full picture.
Alimony is about giving both spouses a fair chance to rebuild after divorce. Arizona’s law is designed to prevent hardship, not to create lifelong dependency. By understanding the criteria and preparing your case thoughtfully, you can help the court reach a decision that supports your future.
If you have questions about alimony or need help with your divorce, contact Moon Law Firm for a consultation. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Sources:
Arizona Revised Statutes §25-319; Maricopa County Superior Court (2024–2025); Arizona Judicial Branch; U.S. Census Bureau.
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