Alimony Eligibility in NY

Divorce laws/proceedings are new to me. I am recovering from serious near fatal accident and haven't worked in almost 2 years or I would be able to afford a lawyer to discover the answer to this question. Any help is greatly appreciated. Is it true that in order for a spouse to be entitled to receive alimony in NY State the marriage must be legal for ten years? Thanks!

Alimony & Spousal Support

Alimony Eligibility in NY.
Divorce laws/proceedings are new to me. I am recovering from serious near fatal accident and haven't worked in almost 2 years or I would be able to afford a lawyer to discover the answer to this question. Any help is greatly appreciated. Is it true that in order for a spouse to be entitled to receive alimony in NY State the marriage must be legal for ten years? Thanks! [/QUOTE]

I don't know NY law. However, it is generally true that a marriage must be of 10 years or longer to qualify as a "long term marriage," and thus for the awarding of spousal support. Another factor often used in awarding alimony is if a spouse was disabled during the marriage, and it sounds like you were.

Here's some links to NY info to get you started:

http://www.divorcenet.com/states/new_york

http://www.divorcenet.com/states/new_york/nyart02

http://www.divorcenet.com/states/new_york/nyart29

http://www.lawhelp.org/ny/