Chahal-Dhanashree Divorce: How Court Decides Alimony | The Money Side of High-Profile Split

New Delhi: A family court in Mumbai recently granted divorce to Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his ex-wife, dance choreographer Dhanashree Verma, with Chahal agreeing to pay Rs 4.75 crore as alimony. But how do courts determine the alimony amount one spouse must pay to the other?

Understanding the Alimony Process in India

In India, the amount granted for alimony is determined by a variety of factors, including the financial status of both spouses, their earning potential, and the contributions made to the marriage. The courts do not follow a set rule but look at the individual circumstances of each case. This approach ensures that both spouses are treated fairly.

What Factors Influence Alimony in India?

The Supreme Court of India clarified several key factors that judges should consider when granting permanent alimony. These include:

• The social and financial status of both parties.
• The reasonable needs of the wife and any dependent children.
• The employment status of both spouses and their earning capacity.
• The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage.
• The sacrifices made by the wife during the marriage, such as giving up a career or personal interests to support the family.

Can Men Receive Alimony?

Although alimony is often perceived as a provision for women, Indian law allows men to seek financial support from their wives under certain conditions. However, such cases are rare and typically require the husband to prove that he is financially dependent on his wife. This could be due to factors such as illness, disability, or other extraordinary circumstances.

Global Differences in Alimony Laws

Alimony laws vary greatly from country to country. In many Western nations, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, there are established guidelines that determine alimony based on formulas that factor in income, the length of the marriage, and the earning capacity of both parties. 

In contrast, countries like Germany and France focus more on short-term financial support rather than long-term maintenance. 

Meanwhile, in countries like Japan and China, alimony is less common, and settlements are often limited to one-time payments rather than ongoing support.

How Does Alimony Differ Across Cultures?

In countries with a no-fault divorce system, such as the United States, the divorce process is typically neutral, and the court does not place blame on either party.