The Judge can order alimony for either spouse regardless of who filed for divorce. A Judge will order alimony if the recipient spouse is need of support and if the payor spouse has the ability to pay. The Judge can order a spouse to pay alimony all at once or periodically (eg. weekly, monthly, or yearly). If you have been married for 20 years or more, the Judge may award alimony for an indefinite time. If you were married for 15 up to 20 years, the Judge can award alimony for no more than 80% of the number of months of marriage. If you were married for 10 up to 15 years, the Judge can award alimony for no more than 70% of the number of months of marriage. If you were married for 5 up to 10 years, the Judge can award alimony for no more than 60% of the number of months of marriage. If you were married for up to 5 years, the Judge can award alimony for no more than 50% of the number of months of marriage.
The Court has a tracking system for divorces. Divorces are assigned to a 14 Month Track. That means the divorces should be settled, dismissed, or go to trial within 14 months.