008

FORM 8.

Alimony Questionnaire (To Help Determine Support)

1. 2.

Length of marriage Present employment: -- # of years working at this job --rate of pay --specify bonuses, perks, extra compensation (e.g., commissions) --prospects for raises, promotion, or advancement Specify important past employment. If not presently employed, state why. 3. Education and special training 4. Were you employed at the time of marriage? If so, state the job, rate of pay, and education level required. 5. State your education level, job skills, special training, and work experience at the time of your marriage. 6. State the education level, job skills, special training, and work experience you now possess. 7. Describe your health. Do you currently have special needs requirements that must be met by an employer in order for you to be gainfully employed? 8. Will you be self-supporting after the divorce? How? Do you anticipate any special circumstances or unusual expenses you will be required to incur that could impact your ability to be self-supporting after the divorce? If so, please specify. 9. Did you sacrifice any career opportunities so that your spouse could attend school and obtain a degree, license, or success in his or her occupation? If so, please describe. 10. Is there currently any prenuptial agreement or contract between the parties which specifies the amount of support you are to receive after the divorce? If so, please produce this for your lawyer's review. 11. Have you calculated your financial needs after the divorce? How much monthly income is required to maintain your current standard of living? Does this include cost-of-living adjustments and long-term tax consequences? How long do you think such support should be paid? 12. Do you feel you deserve to receive alimony? Why? Author's Note: In order to evaluate your need for alimony (also referred to as maintenance), it is necessary to consider the above questions and discuss the answers with your lawyer. Remember that the law differs from state to state in this area and also depends on the unique facts of each case, so get experienced legal advice. Also, refer to the Comprehensive Living Expenses Checklist (on pages 149-151) to help you compute and determine financial need.