Spousal maintenance -- also known as alimony or spousal support -- is the money one spouse pays to the other after a divorce. There are different types, depending on why one spouse requires support. Here is a brief overview.
1
Rehabilitative Maintenance
This type of spousal support is given to a spouse who needs time in order to become financially independent. Rehabilitative maintenance generally has a specific time frame, and ends when the receiving spouse is on their feet. Commonly, this type of support is for someone who stayed at home raising children and needs time to find a job or get training in order to return to the work force.
2
Permanent Maintenance
This type of spousal support is, well, permanent. Situations in which a judge awards permanent maintenance include lengthy marriages, or when one spouse is unable to support themselves. For example, an elderly spouse may not have the option of working to support themselves independently.
3
Temporary Maintenance
Temporary maintenance is available to a spouse requiring support while the divorce is pending. A divorce can take a year or more to finalize. When the divorce becomes final, temporary maintenance ends.
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