Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed January 09, 2019
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Under Arizona's laws, alimony (or spousal support) is called "spousal maintenance" and is often referred to simply as "maintenance." Spousal support is not guaranteed; instead, a court will look at a variety of factors to determine if it's appropriate. It's important to note that whether a parent receives any federal disability benefits from military service-related injuries won't affect whether a spouse receives spousal support. If a person has notice of a court order to pay spousal support and willfully and without lawful excuse fails to pay it, they'll be guilty of committing a class 1 misdemeanor.
The following table provides a brief overview of spousal support laws in Arizona as well as links to relevant statutes. While this table is helpful, it's important to read the actual text of the laws yourself and consult with an attorney if you have specific questions.
| Statute(s) | Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 25, Chapter 3, Article 2:
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| Factors Considered to Determine if Alimony Should Be Awarded | A court may grant an order for maintenance if it finds that the requesting party:
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| How a Court Determines the Amount and Length of Time Alimony Will Be Paid | In determining how much alimony should be paid and how long it should be paid for, the court considers all relevant factors including*:
*For a full list of factors, please see Section 25-319(B). |
| Related Statute(s) | Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 25:
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Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Getting divorced is already a stressful event to deal with, but if you're worried about how you're going to financially support yourself when the divorce is completed, it can be even more stressful. If you have questions about spousal support or would like help requesting it, it's best to contact a local divorce attorney who can explain how Arizona alimony laws affect your unique situation.
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