printer-friendly version-Divorce Issues

What is Alimony?
Alimony is money paid by one spouse to the other so that he or she can maintain the standard of living that was enjoyed during the marriage. There are various types of alimony:
- permanent alimony
- rehabilitative alimony
- limited duration alimony, and
- reimbursement alimony.
There is also alimony that is awarded prior to the divorce while the action is pending.

An award of alimony is based upon need, the duration of the marriage, and the ability to pay. Marital circumstances dictate the type of alimony to be awarded. If there has been a long-term marriage and one spouse has been dependent on the other spouse for support, most likely there will be an award of permanent alimony. If one spouse wants to get back into the work force and brush up on work skills, rehabilitative alimony may be the proper form.

If the parties agree, or a court determines, that alimony for a term of years is warranted, then limited duration alimony will be awarded. If one spouse supported the other spouse while the second spouse was attending school, then reimbursement alimony may be awarded.

The type and amount of alimony is greatly dependent on the facts of each individual case.