Opinion ID: 1196524
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: there is substantial and competent evidence to support the award of spousal maintenance for at least five years.

Text: The trial court found that at the time of the trial court's decision to award spousal maintenance, Karen was unemployable due to her alcoholism and mental and physical condition. There is substantial and competent evidence to support these findings. The trial court found that Karen would not be able to work full time for at least five years and that Karen's rehabilitative therapy would require at least five years. Karen's psychologist testified: a. treating Karen would require dealing with Karen's alcoholism and then beginning therapy concerning the spousal abuse by Leroy; b. within a year Karen probably could be performing clerical duties for pay of between four and six dollars an hour; c. Karen could not begin this employment immediately because of the need to train in work habits such as consistency and being on time; d. Karen might never be able to return to employment as a teacher, but, if she were, it would take at least two or three years; e. for Karen to be employed successfully, the working environment would have to be very supportive, especially being lenient toward her attendance; and f. with all the positives happening, within five years Karen probably would be earning an entry level salary for a teacher, although she would likely be part time. This testimony is substantial and competent evidence to support the trial court's findings that Karen would not be able to work full time for at least five years and that Karen's rehabilitative therapy would require at least that long. These findings are sufficient to support the trial court's award of spousal maintenance for at least five years.