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Missouri Alimony Laws and Spousal Support

Either party may be awarded Missouri alimony or spousal support if it is shown that the requesting spouse:

• has an inability to support his or herself; and

• lacks sufficient property (including his or her share of any marital property) to provide for his or her own needs; or

• that the spouse seeking support is the custodian of a child whose condition or circumstances make it appropriate for that spouse not to seek outside employment.

In awarding Missouri alimony or spousal support, the Court will consider the following factors:

• the time necessary to acquire sufficient education and training to enable the spouse to find appropriate employment, and that spouse's future earning capacity;

• the standard of living established during the marriage;

• the duration of the marriage;

• the ability of the spouse from whom support is sought to meet his or her needs while meeting those of the spouse seeking support;

• the financial resources of the spouse seeking maintenance, including marital property apportioned to such spouse and such spouse's ability to meet his or her needs independently;

• the age of the spouses;

• the physical and emotional conditions of the spouses;

• the obligations, assets, and separate property of the spouses;

• the comparative earning capacities of each spouse; and

• the conduct of the spouses during the marriage.

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