The Self-Sufficiency provision determines whether the recipient is expected to work toward becoming financially independent and self-sufficient over time. This provision encourages the recipient to rely less on spousal support and to actively pursue ways to support themselves financially.

Options:

1. Yes (Default):

   • Definition: Selecting Yes means that the recipient is expected to make efforts toward achieving financial self-sufficiency. This includes seeking employment, pursuing education or training, or taking steps to increase their income to reduce their reliance on spousal support over time.

   • When to Use: This option is typically selected when the recipient is capable of becoming financially independent, even if it takes time. It is appropriate for recipients who can work or retrain for new opportunities, and where there is a realistic possibility that they can reduce their reliance on spousal support in the future.

   • Example: A recipient who is receiving spousal support while retraining for a new career or working part-time with plans to increase their earning potential would be expected to eventually become self-sufficient.

   • Benefits: Encourages the recipient to take proactive steps toward financial independence, helping them transition to a more self-reliant future. It also ensures fairness by promoting the idea that spousal support is temporary assistance rather than a permanent obligation.

2. No:

   • Definition: Selecting No means that the recipient is not expected to become self-sufficient, and the payor will likely continue to provide spousal support without the expectation that the recipient will pursue financial independence.

   • When to Use: This option should be chosen when the recipient is unlikely to achieve financial self-sufficiency due to permanent limitations, such as illness, disability, or advanced age. It is also appropriate when the recipient has little or no realistic potential to become self-sufficient through employment or education.

   • Example: A recipient who is unable to work due to a medical condition or disability, and who has no realistic prospect of becoming self-sufficient, may continue to rely on spousal support without being expected to seek financial independence.

   • Benefits: Provides necessary financial security for recipients who are unable to support themselves due to circumstances beyond their control. This ensures that they are not unfairly pressured to seek self-sufficiency when it is not possible.

When to Choose Each Option:

• When to Choose Yes:

  • The recipient is capable of working or pursuing education or training to improve their financial situation.
  • There is a realistic potential for the recipient to increase their income over time and reduce reliance on spousal support.
  • The spousal support arrangement is intended to be temporary, with the goal of helping the recipient transition to financial independence.

• When to Choose No:

  • The recipient is unable to work due to a permanent condition, such as illness or disability, which prevents them from achieving financial self-sufficiency.
  • The recipient is at an advanced age or has other significant limitations that make it unlikely they will be able to support themselves in the future.
  • The parties agree that the recipient will continue to rely on spousal support indefinitely without the expectation of becoming self-sufficient.

Why This Matters:

The Self-Sufficiency provision sets expectations for the recipient’s financial future. Selecting Yes encourages the recipient to take steps toward financial independence, while selecting No provides long-term financial security when self-sufficiency is not feasible. This provision ensures that spousal support arrangements reflect the recipient’s ability to become independent or their need for continued support.