The issue of alimony turns to be complicated in LGBT relationships if a couple was together for several years prior the laws enabled them to legally marry. Judges typically award spousal support to a spouse if there is a financial need and skill to pay, but will use discretion and a range of things prior to deciding.
In general terms, the longer the wedding, the more likely it's that a judge will give spousal support to a spouse who earns none or little. However, one might think what will happen if the laws didn't allow you to be married, but your relationship stayed for quite a while. Since this can be uncharted territory, and courts are just getting down to see these cases, it's hard to understand what a court will do in every situation.
