Alimony Overview

Alimony, or spousal support, consists of periodic payments made from one spouse to another during and following a divorce.

Alimony is typically awarded in four types:

1. Temporary or Transitional Support
   Temporary support provides support for a short period of time, typically less than five years. Support may also be awarded while the divorce is pending.
    

2. Compensatory Support
   Compensatory support provides support when there has been a signifiant financial contribution to the earning capacity of the other spouse.
    

3. Spousal Maintenance
   Spousal maintenance provides long-term support for a spouse when that spouse's earning capacity has been diminished during the marriage.
    

4. Spousal Support as Property Division
   If a court cannot fairly divide the property in a marriage because it is not easily converted to cash, it may order alimony to make up for the unequal division.

 Most states will consider the following factors in determining alimony:

• Length of the marriage

• Age, health, income, education, training and work history of each spouse

• Financial needs and resources of each party

• Each party's custodial and child support responsibilities

• Each party's contribution to (or dissipation of) marital property

 Depending on the type, alimony may be modified. Most states require a "substantial change in circumstances" to modify alimony. Unless awarded as part of a property division, most alimony will end upon a party's death or remarriage.

Alimony is a court order, and failure to pay may be enforced through the court's contempt authority.