There are a variety of reasons why one spouse, even with sufficient education and experience, may choose to take a lower paying job or stay at home to raise children or act as a homemaker. Generally, the spouse’s contribution to the household is considered a relevant factor in awarding alimony payments. Despite this, there are ways that an experienced alimony attorney can prove that one spouse has the ability to earn a higher income level, and this can play a factor in determining a fair alimony award. This generally requires filing a motion with the courts to conduct an evaluation of the spouse’s abilities, which can also include the rationale behind any decision for one spouse to remain at home with children, for example. An experienced attorney can provide more details.