As of 2025, approximately 41% of first marriages in the U.S. are predicted to end in divorce. And whenever divorce happens, talk of spousal support or alimony takes place.
Alimony is more than financial support. It is also the means to maintain a decent lifestyle after separation. You might ask what the different types are and how they are determined.
The specifics of income and the length of the marriage are certainly important in determining the amount of alimony. But that is just one part of the factors. Revisions, modifications, and terminations can turn everything around.
Spousal support lawyer Thompson Kinney says if you’re filing for divorce and believe you should receive spousal support, an experienced family law attorney can help you make your case. Let us now look at all you should really know.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony, also called spousal support, may be defined as the payment that may be made by one spouse to another following separation or divorce. Such payment seeks to maintain the lesser-earning spouse in a reasonably comparable lifestyle to that which the couple enjoyed prior to divorce.
There are many factors that determine the specifics of such alimony. This would include the length of the marriage, the financial needs of each side, or possible contributions made to the house.
The court does not guarantee alimony. Each case is assessed independently. If you are the alimony recipient, you will want to use that support well. If you are the alimony payer, you should be ready for its effects on your wallet.
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Types of Alimony
Understanding the various types of alimony can help in handling the complications of all post-divorce finances.
You may have heard of temporary alimony, which comes to the aid of one spouse during divorce proceedings while helping to maintain the lifestyle of the spouse involved until a final settlement is agreed upon.
There is rehabilitative alimony, which is for one party to gain the necessary skills or education to achieve self-sufficiency.
Permanent alimony is an alimony that continues or, more often than not, covers the duration of long-term marriages.
And there is also lump-sum alimony. This involves a payment to replace the need for continuing support.
All of these alimony types have a purpose, and with prior knowledge of what you can do, you will be able to make an informed decision.
Understanding these will give you an idea of the impact of your divorce in your financial life.
Factors Influencing Alimony Amount and Duration
Several factors are involved before the court can determine the amount and duration of the alimony in question.
Income and earning capacity would be the first on the list. Courts normally look into both parties’ financial situations to determine whether a need or ability exists.
Marriage duration can influence a court’s decision regarding the amount of alimony awarded. The longer the marriage, the larger the amount.
But also relevant is the standard of living during the marriage. An alimony payor will have to continue to pay that level of standard of living for the payee after their divorce.
Other factors are age and general health, together with contributions during the marriage, such as parenting or assisting the other spouse in their career.
All such elements contribute to forming a fair alimony arrangement after considering your particular circumstances.
How Is Alimony Determined?
Determination of alimony requires serious consideration of many important factors, many of which deal with the financial realities that both spouses face. Normally, courts consider your income, expenses, and standard of living at separation.
They will also regard the duration of the marriage, the age of the respective spouses (and any illness anticipated that would affect the capability to earn), and your contribution to the marriage, whether in cash or in the office of the housekeeper.
The court may also consider whether the payee can afford to make alimony payments without hardship. If you did not work, you probably will need to demonstrate, because you seek to re-establish your employment, that you have a need for support.
The main goal is to help both people live a somewhat normal life after their divorce or separation.
Modifying and Terminating Alimony
After the divorce, life changes often alter the need for modifications to the alimony arrangements. If something happens, like losing your job or your partner getting a raise, you may modify your alimony payments.
You need to go to court with an application citing the changed circumstances and some evidence to support it.
If the receiving spouse remarries or gains economic independence, the court may entirely deny the termination of alimony.
It should be noted that every state has its own particularities, and it becomes extremely important to take legal counsel before going for either modification or termination.
Documentation and open communication with your ex can be necessary throughout this whole process.
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