Types of Alimony

Temporary alimony, also known as pendente lite support, is granted during the divorce process to help the lower-earning spouse manage living expenses until the divorce is finalized. This type of alimony ensures financial stability during the proceedings and can be modified or terminated once a final settlement is reached.

• Purpose: Provides interim financial support to the dependent spouse.
• Duration: Lasts until the divorce decree is issued.
• Factors Considered: Immediate financial needs and the standard of living during the marriage.

Permanent alimony is intended for long-term support and is awarded when one spouse lacks the means to become self-supporting after a lengthy marriage. This type of alimony continues indefinitely unless there is a significant change in circumstances, such as the receiving spouse remarrying or either spouse passing away.

• Purpose: Offers ongoing financial support to the dependent spouse.
• Duration: Typically continues until remarriage, cohabitation, or death.
• Factors Considered: Length of the marriage, age, health, and the standard of living established during the marriage.

Rehabilitative alimony is designed to support a spouse for a specific period, allowing them time to gain education, training, or work experience necessary to become financially independent. This type of alimony emphasizes helping the recipient to achieve self-sufficiency.

• Purpose: Provides temporary support for educational or vocational training.
• Duration: Usually limited to the time needed to acquire necessary skills or education.
• Factors Considered: The time required for the receiving spouse to gain employment and financial independence.

Reimbursement alimony compensates a spouse for financial contributions made to the other spouse’s education or career during the marriage. It is a form of payback for the sacrifices made by one spouse to enhance the other’s earning potential.

• Purpose: Compensates for the contributions towards the other spouse’s career or education.
• Duration: Typically paid in a lump sum or over a defined period.
• Factors Considered: The extent of financial contributions and the educational or career benefits received.

Lump-sum alimony is a one-time payment made instead of periodic support payments. This type of alimony is often used to settle alimony obligations quickly and can be beneficial in cases where ongoing support is not feasible or desirable.

Purpose: Settles alimony obligations with a single payment.

Duration: One-time payment, with no further obligations.

Factors Considered: Financial resources and the feasibility of a lump-sum settlement.

Although not commonly used, bridge-the-gap alimony is designed to help the receiving spouse transition from being married to being single. It addresses short-term financial needs, such as securing a new home or covering living expenses during the transition.

• Purpose: Provides short-term financial support to transition to single life.
• Duration: Usually limited to a short period, such as one or two years.
• Factors Considered: Immediate transitional needs and the ability to meet those needs independently.