US LEGAL GLOSSARY
Alimony
Financial support paid to a spouse after divorce
Definition
Alimony is court-ordered financial support paid by one spouse to another during or after divorce. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living and become financially independent.
The amount and duration depend on factors including length of marriage, income disparity, age, health, and each spouse's earning capacity.
Types of Alimony
Temporary Alimony
Paid during the divorce process to help the lower-earning spouse maintain stability while the case is pending.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Short-term support to help a spouse gain education, training, or skills needed to become self-supporting.
Permanent Alimony
Long-term support typically awarded in long marriages where one spouse cannot become self-supporting due to age or health.
Lump-Sum Alimony
One-time payment instead of ongoing monthly support. Cannot be modified once ordered.
Factors Courts Consider
- Length of marriage: Longer marriages often result in longer alimony
- Income disparity: The gap between spouses' earning abilities
- Standard of living: Lifestyle established during marriage
- Age and health: Physical and mental health of both parties
- Contributions: Including homemaking and supporting spouse's career
- Education/training: Time and cost to become self-supporting
- Marital misconduct: In some states, fault can affect alimony
Related Terms
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