Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Is It Alimony

Trying to determine if money my husband provides his ex-wife is alimony. Situation:

1. Separation/Property Settlement Agreement - dated Feb 15, 1990:

-Pay ex-wife 26% of US Civil Service Retirement Benefit due upon his retirement.

-Pay $300 spousal support to ex-wife until death or remarriage.

2. Final Decree of Divorce - dated Jun 10, 1991:

-Incorporated property settlement by reference.

-Nothing stated re CSRS benefits.

-Pay $400 spousal support to ex-wife until death or remarriage.

3. Consent Decree For Modification To Final Decree of Divorce Dated - dated Oct 18, 2002:

-In lieu of ex-wife receiving 26% of CSRS benefit, husband to pay directly to ex-wife $600 per mo upon retirement until her death and purchase $35,000 life insurance policy.

-Said sum NOT taxable to ex-wife.

-Did not say whether it was or was not alimony.

4. Ex-wife received no spousal support from remarriage to his retirement (for 10 or 11 years).

5. Husband retired in July 2003. Paying $600 per mo directly to ex-wife ever since.

Questions:

Is the $600 per month considered alimony?

If yes, should it be taxable to ex-wife?

IRS Pub 504 says it is both as it was executed after 1984 & meets conditions. IRS e-mail agreed.

Need legal opinion.


Asked on 2/17/06, 4:54 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Charles Homiller Jimison/Homiller, PLC

Re: Is It Alimony

It sounds as if this is not spousal support, but rather distribution of her marital share in your husband's retirement. You should probably consult with a family law attorney for further advice.

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Answered on 2/17/06, 8:20 pm
Fred Kaufman Fredrick S. Kaufman, Esquire

Re: Is It Alimony

The montly payment of a distributable asset is not alimony but both the PSA and FD mention a spousal support amount until death or remarriage and I didn't hear that provision was ever changed.

Good luck

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Answered on 2/17/06, 9:22 pm


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