Oftentimes, when people think about alimony payments, they may think of one spouse being well-off or the breadwinner and the other spouse being in a significant amount of need. However, Pennsylvania couples going through a divorce may want to make note of a recent high-profile celebrity case that shows even in a case where it is perceived that both spouses are well-off, anyone may request alimony during a divorce. The case involves Demi Moore and her recent request to receive support payments from her soon-to-be ex-husband, Ashton Kutcher.
According to news reports, the actress is seeking spousal support from her husband of six years. The request reportedly struck some as a surprise given the fact that the 50-year-old actress was listed as one of the top-earning actresses in the 1990s. However, 35-year-old Kutcher is reportedly the highest-paid television actor at the current moment. The court filing for support did not list the specific amount being sought.
The couple first announced their split in 2011. Reports indicate that, in their separate divorce filings, they both indicated irreconcilable differences as the reason for their divorce. Kutcher has been cited as stating that he wouldn’t refuse to pay his estranged wife any requested alimony, even though he had no plans to request such support himself.
While most couples in their position may be perceived as having the adequate means to support themselves, this case highlights the fact that a spouse may still be able to seek spousal support during a divorce. Even though Moore may have the capacity to earn money in her acting career, she may still be awarded a certain amount of support from the television star, who seems to currently be earning more than she does. Pennsylvania couples, especially those with a significant amount of assets, may want to consider the likelihood that they could be required to pay some form of spousal support after a divorce, and plan accordingly.
Source: dailynews.com, “Demi Moore asks Ashton Kutcher for alimony,” Eric Kelsey, March 8, 2013
