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The UK risks losing its leadership position in artificial intelligence (AI) without a clear national strategy for data centres, a key player in the sector has warned.

Data centres, essential for powering cloud computing and AI applications, have become central to the digital economy. However, without a cohesive plan, the UK could fall behind in the global AI race, according to industry experts.

The UK is currently Europe’s largest data hub, with more than 500 data centres, the majority concentrated in the South East. These facilities are critical to everything from personal device browsing to AI learning, providing the power, connections, and security required for massive data processing.

Despite this status, high land prices, competition for grid connections, and local resistance have created barriers to further expansion in the South East. This has led some companies to explore opportunities beyond the industry’s traditional base, with Kao Data breaking ground on a £350 million development in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

Paul Lamb, Kao Data’s CEO, highlighted the importance of a broader strategy: “If we want to be part of the global AI opportunity, we need to deploy these resources in locations that are suitable, sustainable, and have the opportunity for growth.” He noted that the UK lacked a plan a decade ago when cloud computing took off, resulting in a concentration of power usage around west London. Lamb called for a UK-wide data centre strategy to distribute these facilities across the country.

The challenge of further expansion in the South East is evident in places like Abbotts Langley, Hertfordshire, where a proposed data centre development has sparked a local debate over green belt land. The planning application was initially rejected by the local council, but Housing Minister Angela Rayner called in the decision on her first day in office, indicating the government’s commitment to growth.

However, the push for more data centres has also raised concerns. Local residents and council leaders argue that development on green belt land should only be allowed if there is significant community benefit. Stephen Giles-Medhurst, leader of Three Rivers Council, said, “We will make the best case possible to say no to this development because it is an inappropriate site, which causes very high harm to the green belt.”

Kao Data’s expansion in Greater Manchester reflects a potential solution to the challenges faced in the South East. By repurposing an industrial site and leveraging existing grid connections, the new facility aims to support the growing demand for AI-driven data processing. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, supports the project, recognising data centres as critical infrastructure for regional economic growth.

The UK government recently designated data centres as “critical national infrastructure,” putting them on a par with power stations and railways. However, industry experts argue that a more comprehensive strategy is needed to ensure the country remains competitive in AI development.

As AI becomes increasingly central to global economic growth, the UK must navigate the challenges of expanding its data centre capacity while balancing environmental concerns and local opposition. Without decisive action, experts warn that the UK could miss out on a key opportunity to lead in the AI revolution.

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UK risks losing AI leadership without a national data strategy, experts warn

Perlego, an education technology platform known as the “Spotify for textbooks,” has secured a $20m fundraising round led by Sir Terry Leahy, the former CEO of Tesco.

The digital library service, which offers unlimited access to academic titles via subscription, is expected to announce the capital injection this week.

The new funding round also includes investment from ITHAKA, the organisation behind JSTOR, a prominent digital library for academic journals and books. Perlego’s growing list of shareholders already includes notable names such as Mediahuis, the Belgian publisher that recently bid for The Daily Telegraph, and KPN Ventures.

Founded in 2017, Perlego partners with thousands of international publishers and provides access to academic, professional, and non-fiction content from publishers like Cambridge University Press, Elsevier, and Harvard University Press. The platform’s catalogue is available in six languages and is used by over 250 educational institutions worldwide.

Sir Terry Leahy, who has made a number of technology investments since stepping down from Tesco over a decade ago, expressed enthusiasm for Perlego’s innovative approach to education. “Perlego is addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern education—access to essential learning materials,” Leahy said. “This investment is a vote of confidence in Perlego’s potential to reshape the educational landscape.”

The new funding will be used to expand Perlego’s international footprint and to enhance its offerings by incorporating artificial intelligence. One key development will be Dialogo, an AI-powered research assistant aimed at improving access to academic content.

Gauthier Van Malderen, Perlego’s founder and CEO, commented on the impact of the investment, saying: “This investment represents a vital opportunity to drive meaningful change in education and AI more broadly. We’re passionate about providing accessible yet game-changing solutions to education.”

The platform’s mission to democratise access to academic resources has garnered attention from major industry players, and the recent funding will further bolster its efforts to advance educational technology on a global scale.

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Former Tesco chief invests in ‘spotify for textbooks’ platform perlego with $20m funding round

Up to 10% of UK farmers may abandon the industry this month as concerns over rising Capital Gains Tax and reduced subsidies mount ahead of the new government’s Autumn Budget, according to Mark Chatterton, Head of Agriculture at Duncan & Toplis accountancy and business advisers.

The looming financial pressures have left British agriculture at a critical crossroads, with many farmers contemplating selling their land or stepping back from active farming altogether.

Chatterton reports that a significant portion of his East Midlands client base is now considering drastic measures such as selling land, passing it on to the next generation, or contracting out to larger farming businesses. The sector, already grappling with poor harvests and shrinking financial support, is now facing the additional uncertainty of potential tax hikes.

“The future of British farming is at a critical crossroads,” Chatterton warns. “This Autumn’s Budget could deliver a devastating blow if Capital Gains Tax is hiked as expected. Farmers are already struggling after poor harvests and diminishing subsidies—another financial hit may push many out of the industry for good.”

Confidence within the agricultural sector is at an all-time low. According to DEFRA figures, nearly half of farmers fear for the future, and the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) reports that confidence is at its lowest level since records began. The Sustainable Farming Incentive, a key support program, is set to expire in three years, leaving many farmers without a clear financial safety net.

The fear of a significant rise in Capital Gains Tax, potentially up to 45%, and changes to Inheritance Tax could further drive farmers to exit the industry, particularly those without clear succession plans. High land prices have provided an opportunity for some farmers to sell, but the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Budget has accelerated decisions to leave before potential tax changes reduce financial prospects further.

Chatterton emphasizes the need for immediate government intervention to protect the sector. “The new government has vocally affirmed the UK’s agricultural sector as a matter of the utmost national security—and I couldn’t agree more. I’d urge the government to apply firm and consistent support for the sector when it needs it most.”

With speculation growing that the Autumn Budget will include significant tax reforms, the future of the UK’s agricultural sector remains uncertain. Farmers hope the government will turn its promises of support into actionable plans with clear timelines and deliverables. Without decisive action, Chatterton warns, the consequences could be devastating for both farmers and consumers, threatening the stability of the nation’s food production.

As the agricultural industry braces for potential tax hikes and reduced financial support, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the sector can survive or whether an exodus of farmers will leave a lasting impact on British farming.

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Fears of Capital Gains Tax rise pushing UK farmers to exit industry, warns expert

Trade unions and campaign groups have criticised what they call a “witch hunt” against flexible working, as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner prepares to launch a major overhaul of employment law designed to give workers greater control over their work arrangements.

The proposed reforms are part of the Employment Rights Bill, expected to be tabled this week, and will empower workers to request flexible hours and work from home.

In a joint statement released on Monday, organisations including the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Age UK, and gender equality charity The Fawcett Society hit back at what they described as “relentless scaremongering” over the new rules. The statement comes as some business leaders and politicians express concern that the legislation could harm productivity and increase business costs.

The Employment Rights Bill is expected to extend rights such as sick pay, maternity pay, and protection against unfair dismissal from the first day of employment. It will also introduce measures to make flexible working more accessible, allowing employees to condense their workweek into four days or request to work from home.

However, the reforms have faced criticism from figures such as former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, who labelled the Bill an “idlers’ charter” that would reduce opportunities for workers. Shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake has similarly warned that the legislation could lead to business closures, describing it as a “work from home charter.”

Business groups including the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Institute of Directors have raised concerns about the impact of both the flexible working reforms and potential tax changes in the upcoming Budget. According to these organisations, collapsing business confidence may be a sign of looming economic challenges.

Despite the backlash, the TUC and other campaign groups argue that flexible working will benefit both workers and businesses. They pointed out that one of the biggest challenges employers face is recruiting and retaining skilled staff, with 800,000 fewer people in the workforce since the pandemic. Flexible working, they say, can help bring more people back into the labour market and improve retention.

“Many businesses already recognise the benefits flexible working can bring to their workforces and companies,” the statement said. “Whether it’s through increasing staff productivity or higher retention, flexible working is key to unlocking growth.”

Jonathan Reynolds, Business Secretary, has echoed these sentiments, stating that flexible home working policies can increase productivity and reduce regional inequality. He criticised former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg’s stance against remote work, calling it “bizarre” in light of the economic challenges facing the UK.

Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, accused critics of misrepresenting flexible working in order to undermine the Government’s broader agenda to improve working conditions. “It’s time we called it out,” Nowak said. “Improving access to flexible working will benefit workers and businesses.”

The joint statement cited research from the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (Cipd), which found that around four million people had changed careers due to a lack of flexibility at work.

Jemima Olchawski, CEO of The Fawcett Society, dismissed claims that flexible working harms businesses as “nonsense,” adding, “What really holds growth back is rigid, outdated work practices that exclude women, older workers, and those managing health conditions.”

As Rayner’s Employment Rights Bill heads to Parliament, the debate over flexible working is set to continue, with unions and campaigners advocating for policies that reflect modern working practices and support both employees and businesses.

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Unions condemn ‘witch hunt’ against flexible working as rayner prepares employment law overhaul

The UK has seen the disappearance of half a million small businesses since the start of the pandemic and its exit from the European Union, according to new data from the Department for Business and Trade.

The total number of private sector businesses fell by 56,000 to 5.5 million in the year leading up to 2024, marking a total decline of 500,000 businesses from the peak of six million at the start of 2020.

The sharp decline has largely been driven by an exodus of self-employed individuals and one-person companies, particularly consultants, whose numbers have collapsed by 11% over the past five years. This contraction has been attributed to several factors, including delays in government support for the self-employed during the first Covid lockdown, the rise of remote and flexible working, and a clampdown by HM Revenue & Customs on consultants through the IR35 tax rules.

Despite the challenging conditions, the number of businesses with employees has actually grown between 2020 and 2024, with large businesses, particularly those employing more than 250 people, recording the fastest rate of growth.

Tina McKenzie, policy chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, expressed concern over the “disappointing” figures, calling for a renewed focus on fostering economic growth and promoting an entrepreneurial culture. “There are now well over half a million missing small business owners,” McKenzie said. “That’s half a million wealth creation units missing, which means local jobs and local enterprise are also missing.”

The British Chambers of Commerce echoed these concerns, noting the ongoing difficulties faced by businesses. Jonny Haseldine, policy manager, stressed that the upcoming Budget presents an opportunity for the government to tackle key issues such as business rates reform, capital allowances, and the skills crisis.

The decline of the small business sector is particularly notable in the context of the rapid rise of self-employment and one-person consultancies between 2010 and 2020. During this period, self-employment accounted for 80% of the growth in the total business population, which increased from 4.5 million to six million.

Additionally, the data shows a trend towards incorporation, with more small business owners choosing to operate as companies rather than sole traders or partnerships. While the number of sole traders increased by 323,000 over the past decade, the number of companies surged by 793,000. In contrast, the number of partnerships fell by 100,000 during the same period.

A government spokesperson acknowledged the difficult circumstances faced by businesses over the past few years but reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the overall business environment, particularly for small businesses.

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Half a million small businesses disappear since pandemic as UK faces challenging economic conditions

American Express has announced a £100,000 pledge to support small businesses across the UK through its Champion Small initiative, a key part of the company’s Shop Small campaign this autumn.

Ten independent businesses will each receive a £10,000 grant, which can be used for various growth-related activities such as purchasing new equipment, enhancing signage, or boosting marketing and advertising efforts.

As a longstanding advocate of the high street, American Express is encouraging its Cardmembers to nominate their favourite small businesses for the Champion Small initiative. From 7 October to 7 December 2024, Amex Cardmembers can nominate businesses on the Champion Small website. Those who submit nominations will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a £1,000 statement credit.

Shortlisted businesses will be evaluated by an expert panel of judges on criteria such as customer reviews, product innovation, community impact, and the potential positive effects of the grant on their business. The panel includes Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK; actor and small business co-owner Golda Rosheuvel; Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association; Tony Sophoclides, Strategic Affairs Director at UK Hospitality; and Dan Edelman, General Manager of Merchant Services at American Express.

Dan Edelman expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “Over a decade since its launch, our Shop Small campaign continues to encourage people out onto the high street, and we are thrilled to extend our backing of small business this year by offering 10 Champion Small grants. Small, independent shops are hugely valuable to local communities across the UK and our hope is that this funding helps these businesses continue to thrive.”

Golda Rosheuvel, also serving as an Amex Shop Small Ambassador, said: “Small businesses bring so much diversity to the high street and are an important part of my life, not least as the proud co-owner of Imma The Bakery. It’s my privilege to be part of the judging panel for Champion Small. I can’t wait to learn about the nominees and their stories – it will be great to hear how they are making a difference to their customers and local communities.”

The initiative is also supported by Small Business Saturday UK, which has been championed by American Express for over a decade. Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying: “Small Business Saturday has always been about celebrating the phenomenal contribution small businesses make to our lives. It is wonderful to see this new initiative launch by American Express that will not only encourage greater recognition of the UK’s amazing small firms but also provide much-needed financial support to help them to scale and unleash new innovations.”

With the nomination period closing on 7 December 2024, which coincides with Small Business Saturday in the UK, American Express continues its dedication to fostering the growth of independent businesses across the nation. To participate in the Champion Small initiative, Amex Cardmembers can visit the website or search ‘Amex Champion Small’.

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American Express pledges £100,000 in grants to support small businesses through champion small initiative

The cost to UK taxpayers for subsidising Southeastern, one of Britain’s largest rail operators, has soared to £415 million in the year to March, according to the latest corporate filings.

This figure is more than three times the subsidy the company received before the Covid-19 pandemic, despite fare rises and increased passenger numbers.

Southeastern, which serves Kent, East Sussex, and London, saw a 10% rise in passenger journeys and a 4.7% increase in train services over the past year. Yet, spiralling costs have pushed the operator’s need for state aid even higher, up from £402 million the previous year.

The operator was fully nationalised in October 2021 after its previous owners, Govia (a joint venture between Go-Ahead and France’s Keolis), failed to declare more than £25 million in taxpayer funding dating back to 2014. Even when in private hands, Southeastern received significant subsidies, including £132 million in the year to June 2019, meaning government support for the rail operator has quadrupled since before the pandemic.

Passenger numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels. In the year to March, Southeastern recorded 128 million passenger journeys, a notable drop from 179 million journeys in the year to March 2019. Despite these lower numbers, Southeastern and other train operators continue to rely heavily on government support to balance their books.

Rail fares in England and Wales rose by 5.9% in 2023, following a 4.9% rise the previous year. Despite these fare hikes, Southeastern attributes the need for more taxpayer funding to rising operational costs, including increased charges for access to the High Speed 1 (HS1) line, which Southeastern shares with Eurostar. Southeastern also cited significant increases in electricity costs, track access charges, and train leases as contributing factors.

Paul Barlow, finance director at Southeastern, stated that the company remains “fiercely committed” to reducing the taxpayer burden, but acknowledged that rising costs, driven by inflation exceeding 10%, have been unavoidable. Southeastern is one of the few operators facing significant additional costs from running high-speed services on HS1, and the company is actively engaging with industry partners to reduce the financial strain on the government.

Southeastern has also introduced measures to increase capacity, such as scrapping first-class fares, freeing up an additional 4 million standard-class seats each year. However, the continuing reliance on public funds highlights the broader challenges facing the UK rail industry as it grapples with rising costs and post-pandemic recovery efforts.

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Southeastern trains subsidy rises to £415m, more than tripling since pre-covid era despite fare increases

UK house prices continued their upward trajectory in September, rising for the third consecutive month and bringing average property values within a whisker of record highs.

According to data from Halifax, one of the UK’s largest mortgage lenders, house prices increased by 0.3% in September, matching the rise seen in August. Over the past 12 months, prices have climbed by 4.7%, marking the strongest rate of annual inflation since November 2022.

The average UK home is now valued at £293,399, just £100 shy of the record set in June 2022, shortly before the market was disrupted by Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget, which led to rising borrowing costs and a sudden slowdown in the housing sector.

Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Halifax, cautioned against viewing recent gains as a full recovery: “While the typical property value has risen by around £13,000 over the past year, this increase is largely a recovery of the ground lost over the previous 12 months. Looking back two years, prices have increased by just 0.4%.”

House prices surged following the end of the first lockdown as buyers sought larger homes and outdoor space in what became known as the “race for space.” However, the mini-budget at the end of September 2022 brought the market to a standstill, with soaring interest rates and increased mortgage costs stifling demand. Now, with interest rates gradually falling and the cost-of-living crisis easing, buyers are beginning to return to the market.

“Market conditions have steadily improved over the summer and into early autumn,” Bryden added. “Mortgage affordability has been easing thanks to strong wage growth and falling interest rates. This has boosted confidence among potential buyers, with the number of mortgages agreed up over 40% in the last year and now at their highest level since July 2022.”

Despite the positive signs, there remains a clear north-south divide in house price growth. In the northwest of England, prices have risen by 5.1% over the past year, while in Yorkshire they are up 4.3%. In contrast, eastern England, which includes commuter counties like Hertfordshire and Essex, has seen prices rise by just 2.3%. London, the UK’s most expensive region for housing, has seen prices rise by 2.6% year-on-year to an average of £539,238, still below the peak of £552,592 set in summer 2022.

Northern Ireland remains the region with the fastest house price growth, with prices rising by 9.7% over the past year. In Scotland, year-on-year price inflation stands at 2.1%.

Although affordability is improving with retreating mortgage rates, Bryden noted that it “remains a challenge for many.” As a result, she predicts that any further increases in house prices over the next 18 months will be “modest.”

However, some experts are more optimistic. Ashley Webb, a UK economist at Capital Economics, believes that the Bank of England will reduce interest rates quicker than expected next year, potentially leading to higher-than-anticipated house price growth. “Our view that the Bank of England will cut interest rates by more than most expect may mean house prices grow by an above-consensus 5% in 2025,” Webb said.

While the market shows signs of recovery, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the recent upward trend can be sustained in the face of ongoing economic challenges.

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UK house prices rise for third consecutive month, nearing record highs

Santander UK has urged the government to prioritise leadership, digital, and sustainability skills in its new National Plan for Skills to tackle the UK’s productivity crisis and prepare the workforce for the future.

In a newly published report, Tomorrow’s Skills, Santander highlights three major societal shifts—changing attitudes to work, the rise of AI, and the transition to Net Zero—that will impact the British workforce. The report calls for increased investment in training and upskilling to address these challenges.

The report reveals that UK workers are spending 20% less time on training than they did a decade ago, despite more than half acknowledging that they need to upskill to stay relevant in their roles. Barriers such as time constraints, costs, and lack of flexibility are preventing workers from accessing training, contributing to the country’s stagnant productivity levels. Moreover, 69% of workers expect to remain in the same field for their entire careers, and 72% believe their jobs will still exist in 10 years—indicating a lack of awareness of the potential impact of emerging technologies and societal changes.

Mike Regnier, CEO of Santander UK, stressed the importance of education and skills development, stating: “The UK cannot afford to fall behind in this critical area if we want our economy to grow and remain competitive.” He called on the government to focus its skills strategy on addressing three key areas:

Changing attitudes to work:

The rise of hybrid working has introduced new challenges for managers and leaders, with generational differences in attitudes towards remote work. While 65% of 25–34-year-olds view hybrid working positively for the UK economy, only 27% of 55–64-year-olds share this view.

The rise of AI:

As AI continues to transform industries, 63% of workers recognise the need for training around new technologies, while 47% of younger workers worry that AI could replace their jobs. Upskilling in AI and digital technologies is seen as essential for increasing productivity and future-proofing careers.

The transition to Net Zero:

As the UK moves towards its 2050 emissions targets, 58% of workers believe they will need new skills to adapt to their roles in a greener economy. The report highlights the importance of equipping workers with sustainability skills to support the Net Zero transition.

In response to these challenges, Santander has launched a new adult education programme in partnership with xUnlocked, Fearless Adventures, and House 337. The programme, available on Santander Open Academy, offers free, video-led training on green, digital, and leadership skills for people over 18. The aim is to help individuals and businesses prepare for the future by developing the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

Steph McGovern, presenter of The Rest is Money podcast and a business journalist, added her support for lifelong learning, saying: “As the needs of the economy change, so too should our attitude to learning. We should think of education as lifelong. We all need to adapt, but workers can’t do that on their own.”

Santander’s new initiative, combined with its call for government action, underscores the urgency of addressing the UK’s skills crisis. As the economy evolves, Santander’s focus on developing essential skills in leadership, digital technologies, and sustainability will be key to driving future productivity and ensuring the UK remains competitive on the global stage.

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Santander calls for government focus on leadership, digital, and sustainability skills to future-proof UK economy

Divorces can often turn contentious, especially when emotions run high and financial matters come to the forefront. One of the key issues that can lead to extended disputes is alimony or spousal support.

Understanding alimony, especially who qualifies, how payments are determined, and the rights each party holds, can help navigate these high-conflict situations more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects to understand.

What Is Alimony?

Alimony, or spousal support, refers to the financial support paid by one ex-spouse to the other after a divorce. Its primary aim is to reduce the economic disparity that might arise after the separation, ensuring that the lower-earning spouse can maintain a reasonable standard of living. It’s especially relevant when one spouse has been financially dependent on the other during the course of the marriage.

Who Qualifies for Alimony?

Alimony is not automatically granted in every divorce case. Courts consider various factors before deciding if spousal support is warranted. Contact a divorce lawyer in Connecticut for more information. However, generally, these factors include:

Length of the Marriage: Long-term marriages, generally considered to be 10 years or more, are more likely to result in alimony payments than shorter unions.

Financial Disparity: If one spouse earns significantly more than the other or if one spouse has been a homemaker or caregiver without independent income, alimony may be necessary to help the lower-earning spouse adjust to post-divorce life.

Age and Health: Courts may also consider the age and health of both parties. If the lower-earning spouse is older or has health issues that impact their earning potential, they may be more likely to qualify for spousal support.

Contributions to the Marriage: Non-financial contributions, such as raising children or supporting the other spouse’s career, can also be factored in when determining alimony eligibility.

Standard of Living: The court aims to preserve the standard of living both parties enjoyed during the marriage. If there’s a significant gap between post-divorce living conditions, alimony may be necessary to bridge that gap.

How Are Alimony Payments Determined?

Once it’s determined that alimony is necessary, the next step is calculating the amount and duration of payments. Several factors come into play when courts make this decision:

Income of Both Spouses: Courts assess the income of both spouses, including salaries, bonuses, business income, and investments. A spouse’s potential to earn can also be considered, particularly if one spouse is underemployed or unemployed by choice.

Living Expenses: The court will evaluate both spouses’ living expenses to determine the financial needs of the recipient and the paying spouse’s ability to contribute. This includes housing costs, utilities, insurance, and other essential costs.

Duration of the Marriage: As with eligibility, the length of the marriage plays a significant role in determining the duration of alimony payments. In shorter marriages, alimony is often temporary to support the transition to independent living. In longer marriages, payments may be longer or even permanent, especially if the recipient spouse cannot support themselves financially.

Rehabilitative Alimony: In cases where one spouse needs time and resources to gain the skills or education necessary to support themselves, courts may award rehabilitative alimony. This type of alimony is often granted for a fixed period, with the expectation that the recipient will become financially independent by the end of that period.

Lifestyle of the Marriage: The court looks to maintain a degree of consistency in the lifestyle both spouses were accustomed to during the marriage. This helps prevent a significant drop in the standard of living for the lower-earning spouse.

State Guidelines: Alimony laws vary from state to state. Some states have formulas that set guidelines for determining alimony, while others leave the decision to the discretion of the judge.

Modifying Alimony

Alimony is not always set in stone. If circumstances change significantly, such as the recipient remarrying or the payer losing a job, either party can petition the court to modify the payment amount or terminate it. However, the party seeking modification must provide evidence of substantial changes in financial circumstances.

Conclusion

Navigating a high-conflict divorce is challenging, but understanding how alimony works can help reduce confusion and stress. Courts aim to strike a fair balance, ensuring that both parties can move forward after the marriage ends. Alimony is designed to prevent financial hardships and foster independence for the lower-earning spouse. By being informed and prepared, divorcing couples can focus on finding resolutions that help both parties rebuild their lives.

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How to Navigate High-Conflict Divorces: Understanding Alimony