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©1997 by Steven Pradell

During litigation, prior to the final orders in a divorce case, a court can award interim (temporary) spousal support, alimony or attorney's fees to a spouse. These awards are generally based upon the finances of the parties and the needs of one spouse for funds.

At the end of the case, the court can order that one spouse pay for some or all of the other spouse's attorney's fees, and an award of alimony (spousal support) to be paid after the case is completed.

Alimony awards are not favored in Alaska. Judges prefer to provide a spouse with additional property at the time of divorce than to enforce an award of alimony which may be the subject of litigation in the future. They may be modified if there is a substantial change of circumstances related to the purpose of the alimony award. Normally, alimony awards are restricted to either the rehabilitation, to allow a spouse to advance in the work force, or to reorientation, to provide an opportunity to adjust to the changed financial circumstances accompanying the divorce when the property settlement will not adequately meet the parties' reasonable needs. Normally, if alimony is awarded, it is given for a short duration.

Steven Pradell is an Anchorage attorney with a practice emphasizing family law, personal injury, criminal law and wills. A helpful staff at Pradell and Associates provides prompt, courteous services to meet your legal needs. Give Pradell and Associates a call today, at (907) 279-4529. This article is not intended to provide legal advice and should not be relied on for that purpose.