• lacks sufficient income or property to provide for his or her reasonable needs; and 

• is unable to support him or herself through appropriate employment at the standard of living established during the marriage or is the custodian of any children.

In determining the amount and duration of the spousal support or alimony award, a Vermont Court will consider the following: 

• 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 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; and

• the effects of inflation on the cost of living.

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