Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, is a financial arrangement where one spouse provides ongoing monetary support to the other after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help the lower-earning or non-earning spouse maintain a standard of living similar to what they were accustomed to during the marriage, or until they can become financially self-sufficient.
There are different types of alimony with its purpose and duration:
- Temporary Alimony
Awarded during the divorce process, temporary alimony is meant to provide support until the final settlement is reached. - Rehabilitative Alimony
This type of alimony is intended to help the recipient spouse gain skills or education needed to become self-sufficient. It is usually time-limited and may be modified if circumstances change. - Permanent Alimony
Typically awarded in long-term marriages, permanent alimony continues indefinitely until the recipient remarries, passes away, or there is a significant change in circumstances. However, many states are moving away from this type of support. - Reimbursement Alimony
In some cases, one spouse may have supported the other through education or career advancement, and reimbursement alimony is meant to compensate for that financial investment. - Lump-Sum Alimony
Instead of ongoing payments, a lump-sum alimony arrangement provides a one-time payment, often used in lieu of ongoing support when both parties agree to it.
Courts consider several factors when determining alimony, such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, age, health, earning capacity, and contributions to the household (both financial and non-financial). In some cases, alimony may be adjusted or terminated if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as the paying spouse losing their job or the receiving spouse becoming self-supporting.
Alimony ensures that divorce doesn’t leave one spouse in financial hardship, while also promoting fairness by acknowledging the contributions made during the marriage, whether as a wage earner, homemaker, or caregiver.