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What is Alimony?

R. Kayne
R. Kayne

Alimony is a legal financial arrangement between separated or divorced couples, whereby one partner provides regular payments to the other. It is only available to couples that have been legally married. Unmarried couples have palimony for relief.

Traditionally, married couples consisted of a working partner and a domestic partner. The working partner provided financially for the couple, while the domestic partner contributed in other ways, most notably by physically and emotionally supporting the working partner, keeping the home up, and in many cases, caring for children. When a marriage dissolved, the domestic partner was awarded alimony as a means to honor the promise of "lifelong" financial support in recognition of contributions made to the relationship.

Alimony involves one partner paying another upon divorce.
Alimony involves one partner paying another upon divorce.

Many things have changed since laws on this subject were written. It is now commonplace for both partners to have careers or a means of independent support. And while there is still significant statistical disparity between salaries paid to men versus women, overall women are more independent than they were in decades past.

Some might argue that the spirit behind alimony is too easily abused today. For example, marrying a wealthy partner can mean being set for life after a divorce. In cases like this, it may be argued, the judgments become a means to an end rather than a remedy.

In the US, although state laws differ, there are commonly three different types of alimony: lump sum, temporary, and permanent.

When the spouse receiving alimony remarries, they no longer receive payments.
When the spouse receiving alimony remarries, they no longer receive payments.

Lump sum alimony describes an arrangement whereby the court allows payments to be calculated and paid at once. Though this might sound appealing to both sides, due consideration should be given to related tax issues. The arrangement might not be favorable to both parties.

Temporary alimony, sometimes referred to as rehabilitative alimony, describes an arrangement whereby the receiving partner is reasonably expected to regain financial independence and only requires support for a period of time. In this case, the money might go towards furthering education or training skills.

Permanent alimony refers to payments made regularly for an indefinite period, or without a fixed end date. At some point, however, the payee normally petitions the court to change or even end this arrangement.

Traditionally, married couples consisted of a working partner and a domestic partner.
Traditionally, married couples consisted of a working partner and a domestic partner.

The type and amount of alimony awarded is based on many considerations and circumstances. Some considerations are: length of the marriage, ability to provide for oneself, disparity between incomes, contributions and sacrifices made for the sake of the marriage, and so on.

Death of either partner will terminate alimony. Other circumstances can also end or modify the payments. For the paying spouse, these include loss of job or a significant decrease in income. For the spouse receiving the money, remarriage terminates alimony, while a financial windfall or substantial pay hike can reduce or end it. Cohabitation of the receiving spouse with a new partner may or may not affect the payments, depending on laws and the specific circumstances of the case.

Alimony is a complicated area of law with large stakes. This article provides general information only, and is not legal advice. To inform and protect yourself, contact experienced legal counsel in your area.

Discussion Comments

anon312145

I was married 18 years, with no children and no property. I was just separated in December 2012. I am paying her rent and utilities for a total of $587 a month. Her adult son is living with her, and provides the rest.

I am also paying her car insurance and health benefits, which come out to about $200 a month or a total of $787 per month. Will the judge take that into account?

anon293247

I was married in Ensenada, Mexico in 2006. My son was born in Ensenada in 2007. We live in Chula Vista, Ca. My wife and I are having problems and are thinking about divorce.

In the past I have cheated on my wife. She doesn't work. How does this affect me on child custody, and is she allowed to take my son into Mexico?

anon156734

i am a military wife, been married since 2005. we separated in 2009. he pays me the obligated baq diff every month. do i need to report this income on my taxes?

anon94902

I've been legally married for five going on six years now. In order to collect alimony, how long do you have to be married for?

anon87007

Wow, American laws are so messed up. Equal rights is what women campaigned for, yet expect alimony for life? Child support yes, to support their ex partner, hell no! This reminds me of the song by The Offspring - Why Don't You Get a Job! Prenup all the way?

anon48796

i am a filipina maried to a california resident. we were married in the Philippines. but weeve gone our separate ways because of some differences. can i ask for alimony?

anon2335

What is Virginia's alimony law?

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    • Alimony involves one partner paying another upon divorce.
      By: zimmytws
      Alimony involves one partner paying another upon divorce.
    • When the spouse receiving alimony remarries, they no longer receive payments.
      By: micromonkey
      When the spouse receiving alimony remarries, they no longer receive payments.
    • Traditionally, married couples consisted of a working partner and a domestic partner.
      By: Ferrante Pietro
      Traditionally, married couples consisted of a working partner and a domestic partner.
    • Alimony payments are separate and distinct from child support payments.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Alimony payments are separate and distinct from child support payments.
    • Nearly 50 percent of American marriages end in divorce each year.
      By: doble.d
      Nearly 50 percent of American marriages end in divorce each year.