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Rhode Island Alimony Laws and Spousal Support

Rhode Island alimony or spousal support may may be awarded to either spouse based upon the following factors:

• (1) the extent to which either spouse is unable to support him or her self adequately because of their position as primary caretaker of a child whose age, condition, or circumstances make it appropriate that the parent not seek employment outside of the home;

• (2) the extent to which either party is unable to support him or her self adequately with consideration of the following factors:

  • (a) the extent to which a spouse was absent from employment while fulfilling homemaking responsibilities;

  • (b) the extent to which a spouse's education may have become outmoded and his or her earning capacity diminished:

  • (c) the time and expense required for a supported spouse to acquire the appropriate education and training to develop marketable skills and become employed;

  • (d) the probability, given the spouse's age and skills, of completing education and training and becoming self-supporting;

  • (e) the standard of living during the marriage;

  • (f) the opportunity for either spouse for the future acquisition of capital assets and income;

  • (g) the ability of the supporting spouse to pay, taking into consideration the supporting spouse's

    • (i) earning capacity;

    • (ii) earned and unearned income;

    • (iii) assets;

    • (iv) debts; and

    • (v) standard of living;

• the length of the marriage;

• the conduct of parties during marriage;

• the age and health of the parties;

• the station, occupation, amount and sources of income;

• the vocational skills, the employability of the parties;

• the liabilities and needs of each party; and

• any other factors which are just and proper.

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