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My name is Eli and I am one of JustAnswer's attorneys. I'll be helping you resolve your matter today.

There is not standard duration which is considered "long," but generally anything over 7 years, or even 4/5, if children are involved.Arizona does not consider marital misconduct when awarding alimony, but will consider all relevant factors, including the following guidelines:
1. The standard of living established during the marriage.
2. The duration of the marriage.
3. The age, employment history, earning ability and physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking alimony.
4. The ability of the spouse from whom alimony is sought to meet his or her needs while meeting those of the spouse seeking alimony.
5. The comparative financial resources of the spouses, including their comparative earning abilities in the labor market.
6. The contribution of the spouse seeking alimony to the earning ability of the other spouse.

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You can always request me for a future legal consultation through my profile at http://www.justanswer.com/profile.aspx?PF=7286322&FID=7 If you do this, make sure to being the question with “This Question is for Eli…” 7. The extent to which the spouse seeking alimony has reduced his or her income or career opportunities for the benefit of the other spouse. 8. The ability of both parties after the divorce to contribute to the future educational costs of their mutual children. 9. The financial resources of the party seeking alimony, including marital property apportioned to such party, and such party's ability to meet his or her needs independently. 10. The time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking alimony to find appropriate employment and whether such education or training is readily available. 11. Excessive or abnormal expenditures, destruction, concealment or fraudulent disposition of community, joint tenancy and other property held in common.

Expert:	Eli
Pos. Feedback:	98.3 %
Accepts:
Answered:	11/4/2009

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Specializing in areas of immigration, family law, personal injury, and small business consultation.