Missouri Alimony Laws and Spousal Support

Missouri Alimony Issues & Resources


Missouri Alimony



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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