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Divorce (Spousal Support)

Common Questions About Divorce (Spousal Support)

Spousal support is also known as alimony. During separation or divorce proceedings, the court may award one party to pay the other party spousal support. The goal of alimony is to provide the lower-income spouse with money for living expenses over and above the money provided by child support. Alimony is different from child support. Where child support is a mathematical calculation using guidelines that set by law, alimony is in the discretion of the judge.

In Wyoming the purpose of alimony is to provide a post-divorce substitute for the support provided to a spouse during the marriage. Alimony is most often provided for the support and maintenance of a former spouse who is unable to adequately provide for him or herself.

Martens v. Martens, 364 P.2d 995 (Wyo. 1961)

W.S. 20-2-114

Yes, there are three different types of spousal support.

Transitional Support
The judge looks at what support is necessary to help the spouse get an education or training to re-enter the job market.

Compensatory Support
The judge decides what will repay a spouse for a major financial or other contribution to the education, career, or earning ability of the other spouse.

Spousal Maintenance
The judge considers what support is appropriate to keep a standard of living similar to what was enjoyed in the marriage. This support can be ordered for a specific amount of time or can be permanent.

In determining whether a spouse is entitled to spousal support, the court has broad discretion. The main factors that the court takes into consideration are:
The ability of the spouse to pay and
The necessity of support to the other spouse.

W.S. 20-2-114

Unless otherwise stated in the divorce decree, spousal support ends when either party dies or when the person receiving the support remarries. The decree can set forth other terms for ending spousal support, too.

Yes. Either party can petition to have the spousal support modified if he or she can prove that there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances that makes modification necessary.  W.S. 20-2-116

There are no do-it-yourself forms to ask for a modification of spousal support.  You may need to get help from a lawyer.  Click here for help finding a lawyer.

Forms About Divorce (Spousal Support)

Divorce Handout

Misc 5. Affidavit Following Service by Publication

Misc 5. Affidavit Following Service by Publication

Misc 6. Affidavit to Allow Service by Registered or Certified Mail

Misc 6. Affidavit to Allow Service by Registered or Certified Mail

Misc 7. Affidavit of Indigency & Request for Waiver of Fees

Misc 7. Affidavit of Indigency & Request for Waiver of Fees

Misc 8. Order on Indigency – Waiver of Fees

Misc 8. Order on Indigency – Waiver of Fees

Misc 9. Motion

Misc 9. Motion

Misc 10. Response to Motion

Misc 10. Response to Motion

Misc 11. Order on Motion

Misc 11. Order on Motion

Misc 12. Order Requiring Completion of Financial Affidavits

Misc 12. Order Requiring Completion of Financial Affidavits

Misc 13. Motion to Dismiss Action

Misc 13. Motion to Dismiss Action

Misc 14. Order of Dismissal

Misc 14. Order of Dismissal

Misc 15. Notice of Change of Employment or Insurance

Misc 15. Notice of Change of Employment or Insurance

Entire version of Miscellaneous Forms Pro se Packet

OSC 0. Order to Show Cause (Contempt of Court) Cover Sheet

OSC 0. Order to Show Cause (Contempt of Court) Cover Sheet

OSC 1. List of Order to Show Cause Forms

OSC 1. List of Order to Show Cause Forms

OSC 2. Instructions

OSC 2. Instructions

OSC 3. Checklist

OSC 3. Checklist

OSC 4. Motion for Order to Show Cause

OSC 4. Motion for Order to Show Cause

OSC 5. Affidavit in Support of Order to Show Cause

OSC 5. Affidavit in Support of Order to Show Cause

OSC 6. Order to Show Cause

OSC 6. Order to Show Cause

OSC 7. Order of Dismissal

OSC 7. Order of Dismissal

Entire version of Order to Show Cause Pro se Packet

Entire version of Order to Show Cause Pro se Packet

Misc 0 CS. Miscellaneous Forms Cover Sheet

Misc 0 CS. Miscellaneous Forms Cover Sheet

Misc 1. List of Miscellaneous Forms

Misc 1. List of Miscellaneous Forms

Misc 2. Instructions

Misc 2. Instructions

Misc 3. Affidavit to Allow Service by Publication

Misc 3. Affidavit to Allow Service by Publication

Misc 4. Notice of Publication

Misc 4. Notice of Publication

DNCD 1. List of Forms – Defendant – No children

DNCD 1. List of Forms – Defendant – No children

DNCD 2. Overview – Divorce no Children

DNCD 2. Overview – Divorce no Children

DNCD 3. Family Law Information and Instructions

DNCD 3. Family Law Information and Instructions

DNCD 4. Checklist for Defendant

DNCD 4. Checklist for Defendant

DNCD 5. Answer to Complaint for Divorce (no Children)

DNCD 5. Answer to Complaint for Divorce (no Children)

DNCD 6. Answer and Counterclaim to Complaint for Divorce (no Children)

DNCD 6. Answer and Counterclaim to Complaint for Divorce (no Children)

DNCD 7. Initial Disclosures

DNCD 7. Initial Disclosures

DNCD 8. Request for Setting

DNCD 8. Request for Setting

DNCD 9. Order Setting Divorce Trial and Requiring Pretrial Memorandums

DNCD 9. Order Setting Divorce Trial and Requiring Pretrial Memorandums

DNCD 10. Pretrial Disclosures

DNCD 10. Pretrial Disclosures

Entire version of Defendant Divorce with No Children Pro se Packet

Entire version of Defendant Divorce with No Children Pro se Packet

DNCP 4. Checklist for Plaintiff

DNCP 4. Checklist for Plaintiff

DNCP 5. Civil Cover Sheet

DNCP 5. Civil Cover Sheet

DNCP 6. Vital Statistics Form

DNCP 7. Complaint for Divorce no Children

DNCP 7. Complaint for Divorce no Children

DNCP 8. Summons

DNCP 8. Summons

DNCP 9. Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Service

DNCP 9. Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Service

DNCP 10. Initial Disclosures

DNCP 10. Initial Disclosures

DNCP 11. Reply to Counterclaim

DNCP 11. Reply to Counterclaim

DNCP 12. Application for Entry of Default

DNCP 12. Application for Entry of Default

DNCP 13. Affidavit of Plaintiff in Support of Default

DNCP 13. Affidavit of Plaintiff in Support of Default

DNCP 14. Entry of Default

DNCP 14. Entry of Default

DNCP 15. Affidavit for Divorce Without Appearance of Parties

DNCP 15. Affidavit for Divorce Without Appearance of Parties

DNCP 16. Request for Setting

DNCP 16. Request for Setting

DNCP 17. Order Setting Hearing

DNCP 17. Order Setting Hearing

DNCP 18. Order Setting Divorce Trial and Requiring Pretrial Statements

DNCP 18. Order Setting Divorce Trial and Requiring Pretrial Statements

DNCP 19. Pretrial Disclosures

DNCP 19. Pretrial Disclosures

DNCP 20. Decree of Divorce (no Children)

DNCP 20. Decree of Divorce (no Children)

DNCP 21. List of Addresses for the Clerk of District Court offices

DNCP 21. List of Addresses for the Clerk of District Court offices

Entire version of Plaintiff Divorce with No Children Pro se Packet

DNCD 0 CS. Divorce (no Children) Cover Sheet – Defendant

DNCD 0 CS. Divorce (no Children) Cover Sheet – Defendant

DWCP 26. Income Withholding For Support

DWCP 27. List of Addresses for the Clerk of District Court Offices

DWCP 27. List of Addresses for the Clerk of District Court Offices

Entire Version of Plaintiff Divorce with Minor Children Pro Se Packet

DWCD 0 CS. Divorce with Children Cover Sheet – Defendant

DWCD 0 CS. Divorce with Children Cover Sheet – Defendant

DWCD 1. List of Forms – Defendant – with Children

DWCD 1. List of Forms – Defendant – with Children

DWCD 2. Overview- Divorce with Children

DWCD 2. Overview- Divorce with Children

DWCD 3. Family Law Information and Instructions

DWCD 3. Family Law Information and Instructions

DWCD 4. Checklist for Defendant

DWCD 4. Checklist for Defendant

DWCD 5. Answer to Complaint for Divorce with Children

DWCD 5. Answer to Complaint for Divorce with Children

DWCD 6. Answer and Counterclaim to Complaint for Divorce with Children

DWCD 6. Answer and Counterclaim to Complaint for Divorce with Children

DWCD 8. Confidential Financial Affidavit

DWCD 8. Confidential Financial Affidavit

DWCD 7. Initial Disclosures

DWCD 7. Initial Disclosures

DWCD 9. Request for Setting

DWCD 9. Request for Setting

DWCD 10. Order Setting Divorce Trial and Requiring Pretrial Statements

DWCD 10. Order Setting Divorce Trial and Requiring Pretrial Statements

DWCD 11. Pretrial Disclosures

DWCD 11. Pretrial Disclosures

Entire version of Defendent Divorce with Minor Children Pro Se Packet

Entire version of Defendent Divorce with Minor Children Pro Se Packet

DNCP 0 CS. Divorce (no Children) Cover Sheet – Plaintiff

DNCP 0 CS. Divorce (no Children) Cover Sheet – Plaintiff

DNCP 1. List of Forms – Divorce no Children – Plaintiff

DNCP 1. List of Forms – Divorce no Children – Plaintiff

DNCP 2. Overview – Divorce no Children

DNCP 2. Overview – Divorce no Children

DNCP 3. Family Law Information and Instructions

DNCP 3. Family Law Information and Instructions

DWCP 6. Vital Statistics Form

DWCP 7. Complaint for Divorce (with Children)

DWCP 7. Complaint for Divorce (with Children)

DWCP 8. Summons

DWCP 8. Summons

DWCP 9. Confidential Statement of Parties for Child Support Order

DWCP 9. Confidential Statement of Parties for Child Support Order

DWCP 10. Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Service

DWCP 10. Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Service

DWCP 11. Initial Disclosures

DWCP 11. Initial Disclosures

DWCP 12. Confidential Financial Affidavit

DWCP 12. Confidential Financial Affidavit

DWCP 13. Affidavit of Imputed Income

DWCP 13. Affidavit of Imputed Income

DWCP 14. Child Support Computation Form & Net Income Calculation

DWCP 14. Child Support Computation Form & Net Income Calculation

DWCP 15. Reply to Counterclaim

DWCP 15. Reply to Counterclaim

DWCP 16. Application for Entry of Default

DWCP 16. Application for Entry of Default

DWCP 17. Affidavit of Plaintiff in Support of Default

DWCP 17. Affidavit of Plaintiff in Support of Default

DWCP 18. Entry of Default

DWCP 18. Entry of Default

DWCP 19. Affidavit for Divorce Without Appearance of Parties

DWCP 19. Affidavit for Divorce Without Appearance of Parties

DWCP 20. Request for Setting

DWCP 20. Request for Setting

DWCP 21. Order Setting Hearing

DWCP 21. Order Setting Hearing

DWCP 22. Order Setting Divorce Trial and Requiring Pretrial Statements

DWCP 22. Order Setting Divorce Trial and Requiring Pretrial Statements

DWCP 23. Pretrial Disclosures

DWCP 23. Pretrial Disclosures

DWCP 24. Decree of Divorce with Children

DWCP 24. Decree of Divorce with Children

DWCP 25. Order for Income Withholding

DWCP 25. Order for Income Withholding

Packet 9. Order to Show Cause (Contempt of Court)

Packet 10. Miscellaneous Forms

DWCP 0 CS. Divorce with Children Cover Sheet – Plaintiff

DWCP 0 CS. Divorce with Children Cover Sheet – Plaintiff

DWCP 1. List of Forms – Plaintiff – with Children

DWCP 1. List of Forms – Plaintiff – with Children

DWCP 2. Overview – Divorce with Children

DWCP 2. Overview – Divorce with Children

DWCP 3. Family Law Information and Instructions

DWCP 3. Family Law Information and Instructions

DWCP 4. Checklist for Plaintiff

DWCP 4. Checklist for Plaintiff

DWCP 5. Civil Cover Sheet

DWCP 5. Civil Cover Sheet

Packet 1. Divorce with Minor Children – Plaintiff

Packet 2. Divorce with Minor Children – Defendant

Packet 3. Divorce with No Children – Plaintiff

Packet 4. Divorce with No Children – Defendant

Resources About Divorce (Spousal Support)

Resources

Self-Help Forms
The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides these do-it-yourself forms to help individuals represent themselves in court.

Divorce and Family Law Glossary
Definitions for legal terms frequently used in family law type cases. From FindLaw.com.

Wyoming Divorce Overview
This handout provides an overview of Divorce procedures in Wyoming.

Find a Lawyer
Click the link above to learn more about finding a legal aid or private attorney.

Wyoming Statutes and Court Rules
Title 20 Domestic Relations
Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure

Your local county library has print versions of Wyoming statutes and rules. The print set includes references to additional relevant Wyoming materials which you may find useful.

Information About Divorce Information About Property & Debt Distribution

Common Questions About Divorce (Spousal Support)

What is spousal support?

Spousal support is also known as alimony. During separation or divorce proceedings, the court may award one party to pay the other party spousal support. The goal of alimony is to provide the lower-income spouse with money for living expenses over and above the money provided by child support. Alimony is different from child support. Where child support is a mathematical calculation using guidelines that set by law, alimony is in the discretion of the judge.

In Wyoming the purpose of alimony is to provide a post-divorce substitute for the support provided to a spouse during the marriage. Alimony is most often provided for the support and maintenance of a former spouse who is unable to adequately provide for him or herself.

Martens v. Martens, 364 P.2d 995 (Wyo. 1961)

W.S. 20-2-114

Are there different types of spousal support?

Yes, there are three different types of spousal support.

Transitional Support
The judge looks at what support is necessary to help the spouse get an education or training to re-enter the job market.

Compensatory Support
The judge decides what will repay a spouse for a major financial or other contribution to the education, career, or earning ability of the other spouse.

Spousal Maintenance
The judge considers what support is appropriate to keep a standard of living similar to what was enjoyed in the marriage. This support can be ordered for a specific amount of time or can be permanent.

What factors does the court consider when deciding whether to award spousal support?

In determining whether a spouse is entitled to spousal support, the court has broad discretion. The main factors that the court takes into consideration are:
The ability of the spouse to pay and
The necessity of support to the other spouse.

W.S. 20-2-114

When does spousal support end?

Unless otherwise stated in the divorce decree, spousal support ends when either party dies or when the person receiving the support remarries. The decree can set forth other terms for ending spousal support, too.

Can spousal support be modified (changed)?

Yes. Either party can petition to have the spousal support modified if he or she can prove that there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances that makes modification necessary.  W.S. 20-2-116

There are no do-it-yourself forms to ask for a modification of spousal support.  You may need to get help from a lawyer.  Click here for help finding a lawyer.

Contact Information
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Voice: 307-777-7316

State Law Library

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Court Administration

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