Understanding the Law

General Term Alimony

General Term Alimony may be ordered if there is a significant difference in the parties’ incomes. The spouse with the greater income may be ordered to pay support to the spouse with the lesser income. The length of time General Term Alimony will be payable is based on the length of the marriage. Both the amount that will be payable and the period of time for which it will be payable may be increased or decreased in some circumstances. We will consider your particular case in determining whether General Term Alimony is likely to be ordered as well as the amount each payment may be and how long payments may be made.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative Alimony is also payable for a fixed period of time, generally not to exceed five years, to allow the recipient spouse to complete training or education or simply to find a better job. In this way it allows the recipient spouse to become economically self-sufficient.

Reimbursement Alimony

Reimbursement Alimony is only ordered in marriages that have lasted fewer than five years. It is intended to compensate one spouse for their economic or non-economic contributions to the resources of the other spouse during the marriage, such as enabling the other spouse to get a degree or complete job training. If you were only married for a short period of time, we can determine if Reimbursement Alimony may be appropriate in your case.

Transitional Alimony

Transitional Alimony is also only available in a marriage that lasted fewer than five years and cannot be ordered for more than three years after a divorce. It is intended to help one spouse transition after a divorce, such as enabling a spouse to relocate. If your circumstances warrant an order for Transitional Alimony, we can let you know what to expect.