Unlike child support, which by statute provides a table of income and a formula as to the calculation of the child support. Spousal support on the other hand is not based on a formula. The Trial Court has the sole discretion by considering the 19 factors outlined in the spousal support statute to award or not award spousal support. When the Court makes an award of spousal support, a trial court is required to make an award which is both appropriate and reasonable based upon all of the facts and the facts and circumstances of the particular case.
It is important to note that it is not necessary for a trial court to find all 19 factors in order to award spousal support. Rather, a trial court may award spousal support even if it finds that only one of the factors is present in the case. Further, the spousal support factors have equal weight. No one factor is of more importance in awarding spousal support than another factor.