International Alimony: Alimony Laws Vary Widely Across Nations

Another fascinating report from the UK firm Penningtons Manches gives a global perspective on the alimony laws of different countries. UK (England and Wales), UK (Scotland), Ireland, Singapore, Nigeria, Germany, New Zealand, Finland, France, Russian Federation, Japan, Israel, United Arab Emirates.  Also briefly discussed: the divorce laws of Texas and California.

A brief excerpt follows:

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There are many common threads in family law across jurisdictions but also some very significant differences – particularly the wide variation in approach to spousal maintenance (or alimony). In Scotland, Sweden, Finland and New Zealand, financial independence for both spouses is at the heart of the court’s approach and the obligation to maintain a spouse is not imposed, save for a short period or in exceptional circumstances. But there are jurisdictions at the other end of the spectrum which provide ex-spouses with generous and long lasting income.

Read the report here.