As emotional as divorce is, it is also, after all, a legal process. Although it will end your marriage, divorce does not necessarily end the financial obligations that come with the marriage. For example, many spouses may need to pay alimony in their divorce settlements.
Alimony, or spousal support, is the financial assistance one ex-spouse pays the other so that they can maintain the standard of living established during the marriage for some time following the divorce. Usually, it’s a higher-earning spouse who pays alimony to a lower-earning spouse. If you are the lower-earning spouse, you are entitled to financial support after a divorce, regardless of how soon your marriage ends. It offers you the chance to rebuild your life.
However, not all alimony is the same. You should understand the different types of alimony in divorce settlements before trying to make an informed decision.
1. Temporary Alimony
As the name suggests, this is a short-term solution. Temporary alimony is awarded during the divorce process so that the lower-earning spouse can transition smoothly, but it doesn’t guarantee future alimony payments.
Temporary alimony is specifically meant to take care of your financial well-being until the divorce is finalized. It will cover immediate expenses like:
- Housing
- Health insurance
- Living costs
- Legal fees
It will help you maintain the lifestyle you were accustomed to during your marriage but will not do so permanently.
However, temporary alimony will stop after the divorce proceeding ends. It might turn into a different form of alimony after the divorce. If it does, you can opt for a more permanent type of alimony in the divorce settlement.
2. Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is also a type of temporary alimony. Generally, this alimony is awarded to spouses who put their careers on hold during the marriage. They could have done this to look after the household, family, or children. Rehabilitative alimony can help such spouses get back on their feet.
As the lower-earning or dependent spouse, it will help you gain financial independence as you prepare for life post-divorce. For one, it can help you get an education, reacquaint yourself with your previous profession, or learn a new skill that will help you make a living. This is one of the most common types of alimony in divorce settlements.
However, you will need to create a detailed rehabilitative plan. It should outline the steps and timeline for reaching financial independence. You can discuss the plan and the alimony you need with your soon-to-be ex-spouse through mediation if you are getting a divorce without a court appearance. Once you finalize the details, your divorcing spouse can pay the amount if it is approved by the court.
3. Permanent Alimony
Many spouses don’t earn enough to support themselves after a divorce. Sometimes, they are not self-sufficient due to old age, medical conditions, or disability. If you cannot be self-sufficient or have a considerably lower earning capacity, you used to be able to ask for permanent alimony in the divorce settlement. In 2023, Governor DeSantis outlawed permanent alimony.
Now, you can still file for alimony, and spouses with permanent alimony will not automatically lose it, but now the paying spouse can petition to end it. If they do not, they will continue to pay alimony.
Additionally, alimony automatically ends if the receiving spouse remarries or dies. It can also be modified if the paying spouse retires or cannot work due to unforeseen circumstances. Keep these factors in mind when seeking financial support after the divorce.
4. Reimbursement Alimony
Reimbursement alimony compensates a spouse for financial contributions they made in a marriage. If you helped your spouse get an education, set up a business, or advance their career, you may be able to seek reimbursement alimony in a divorce settlement.
It is typically awarded in marriages of shorter duration. This alimony can help you recover expenses like tuition fees, living expenses, or lost income in a lump sum amount. However, you and your ex can agree on periodic installments if that is more affordable for you both. The more concrete your plan is, the easier it is to finalize the divorce without a court appearance.
5. Lump-Sum Alimony
Lump-sum alimony is also a growingly popular choice of financial support after a divorce. It usually involves a one-time payment instead of ongoing support. It is suitable if regular payments are impractical or both parties want a clean break from each other.
The advantage of lump-sum alimony is certainty and closure. However, if your financial situation changes or you mismanage the lump sum, you don’t have any other income to fall back on.
6. Nominal Alimony
Nominal alimony is not like permanent or temporary alimony. It usually involves making a yearly payment of as little as $1. It applies when one spouse cannot pay substantial alimony due to poor health or financial affairs.
The court can later increase the amount of alimony. Think of it as a stop-gap arrangement. But, it will also protect your right to financial support after the divorce when the paying spouse can afford it.
7. Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
Bridge-the-gap alimony offers short-term financial support after a divorce. It is typically a part of dissolving short-term marriages. However, it may apply in mid or long-term marriages as well. As a receiving spouse, it helps you transition from married to single life.
It covers specific foreseeable expenses, such as moving, surviving while finding new work, or upcoming medical expenses. Usually, bridge-the-gap alimony will not last more than two years. It is also a non-modifiable alimony. You cannot change its duration or the amount.
8. Hybrid Alimony Arrangements
Hybrid alimony is a customized solution. It allows you and your spouse to create an alimony structure that best fits your circumstances. It’s one of the best ways to ensure financial support, especially when getting a divorce without a court appearance.
Here’s an example of a hybrid alimony arrangement. As the lower-earning spouse, you can receive temporary alimony during the divorce proceedings. Then, after finalizing the divorce, you can seek rehabilitative alimony for your career development. You can stop receiving it once you are financially independent.
This flexibility can help you get the most out of your divorce settlement.
Get a Divorce Without a Court Appearance With Untying the Knot
Alimony is a critical part of your divorce proceedings. As the lower-earning spouse, it helps you rebuild your life after the divorce. Understanding different types of alimony can help you choose appropriate financial support.
Are you seeking a quicker divorce than usual? As an online divorce law firm, Untying the Knot can help you get things rolling. Call 833-637-1729 today or check out our online services for help.