The Different Types of Spousal Support
Posted on Aug 30, 2009 11:33am PDT
Spousal support, commonly referred to as alimony, is a type of monetary payment that is made by an independent spouse to a dependent spouse after a divorce or a legal separation.
Before a wife or husband is awarded spousal support, the court will consider several things, such as: the income of each spouse, the occupation of each spouse, the age of each spouse, the health of each spouse and the length of the marriage. The court may also consider other related factors before making a final decision.
There are several different types of alimony that may be awarded to a dependent spouse. The different types of spousal support are detailed below:
Temporary Spousal Support: this type of support is temporary in nature and is given when spouses are separated, but not divorced. Once the spouses divorce, permanent alimony may be awarded.
Rehabilitative Spousal Support: this type of spousal support is awarded after the husband and wife have divorced, but is also temporary in nature. The main purpose of this type of alimony is to provide support for a dependent spouse until he/she is able to return to work or is able to support him/herself.
Permanent Spousal Support: this type of support is long-term/permanent and is awarded after spouses have divorced. When permanent alimony is awarded, the independent spouse will have to monthly payments to the dependent spouse indefinitely. The money is provided so that the dependent spouse has food, shelter, clothing and other day-to-day necessities.
Reimbursement Spousal Support: this type of support allows one spouse to "reimburse" the other spouse. For example, if one spouse worked so that the other could go to school, the working spouse may request reimbursement spousal support during divorce proceedings.
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