Alimony (known as “spousal maintenance” in Kentucky) continues to be largely considered something that men pay to women after separation and divorce. Even though it’s more likely than ever that when a couple divorces that the wife outearns her husband or that the marriage and divorce involve two men, there’s still a stigma around men receiving alimony.
That stigma, unfortunately, extends to some judges. They tend to award, on average, less support to men than to women and to require more proof from men than from women that they’re seeking a higher-paying job (or any job if they’ve been a stay-at-home spouse) to order that support to continue.
What to know about Kentucky law
This is despite the fact that state law treats spouses the same on this matter. The law uses the word “spouse” rather than “husband” and “wife.” Many men, regardless of where they live, experience and even feel this stigma. As one New York legal professional says, men receiving support is “still the exception rather than the rule.”
It’s important to know the factors that are to be considered under Kentucky law when awarding spousal maintenance. These include the financial resources of each spouse, the duration of the marriage, the age and health of both people and the “standard of living established during the marriage.”
It’s also important to know the types of spousal maintenance that can be awarded in Kentucky. These are temporary, rehabilitative and permanent (or indefinite).
It’s important for all divorcing men who believe that spousal maintenance is warranted, at least for a time, to understand that they may face more challenges than they expected. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the law and to work with an experienced legal team to present the strongest possible case.
