When going through a divorce, one of the most important and contentious issues is often alimony. Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a payment made by one spouse to the other to help support them financially after the divorce. However, not all alimony is created equal, and it's essential to understand the different types of alimony and which one is right for your situation. In this blog post, we'll go over the different types of alimony and provide some tips on how to determine which one is best for you.
1. Temporary Alimony
Temporary alimony, also known as pendente lite alimony, is awarded during the divorce process to help one spouse maintain their standard of living until the divorce is finalized. This type of alimony is usually based on the income and expenses of both spouses and can be modified once the divorce is finalized. It's important to note that temporary alimony is not always awarded, and it's up to the judge's discretion.
2. Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is awarded to help one spouse become self-sufficient after the divorce. This type of alimony is usually awarded for a specific period and is intended to help the receiving spouse obtain education or training to increase their earning potential. If you're considering rehabilitative alimony, it's important to have a clear plan in place for how you'll use the funds to become self-sufficient.
3. Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony is awarded for an indefinite period and is usually only awarded in long-term marriages. This type of alimony is intended to provide ongoing financial support to the receiving spouse and is based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the earning potential of each spouse, and the standard of living during the marriage.
4. Lump-Sum Alimony
Lump-sum alimony is a one-time payment made to the receiving spouse. This type of alimony is usually awarded when the receiving spouse is not expected to become self-sufficient or when the paying spouse wants to avoid ongoing payments. Lump-sum alimony can be paid in installments or as a single payment.
5. Reimbursement Alimony
Reimbursement alimony is awarded to reimburse one spouse for expenses they incurred during the marriage. This type of alimony is usually awarded when one spouse supported the other while they obtained education or training that benefited both spouses. Reimbursement alimony is intended to compensate the supporting spouse for their contributions to the marriage.
Determining which type of alimony is right for your situation can be challenging, and it's essential to have the guidance of an experienced family law attorney. At Knies, Helland & McPherson Law, we understand the complexities of alimony and can help you navigate the process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.