When it comes to divorce, one of the most contentious issues is often alimony. Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a legal obligation to provide financial support to a spouse after a divorce. However, not all divorces require alimony, and even when it is necessary, there are different types of alimony that can be awarded. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of alimony in Rhode Island and help you determine which one is right for your situation.
1. Temporary Alimony
Temporary alimony, also known as pendente lite alimony, is awarded during the divorce process to help the lower-earning spouse maintain their standard of living until the divorce is finalized. This type of alimony is typically awarded for a short period of time and is terminated once the divorce is finalized.
2. Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is awarded to help the lower-earning spouse become self-sufficient. This type of alimony is typically awarded for a set period of time and is meant to provide financial support while the recipient spouse obtains education or training to improve their earning potential.
3. Reimbursement Alimony
Reimbursement alimony is awarded to compensate a spouse for financial contributions they made during the marriage, such as paying for their spouse's education or supporting their spouse while they pursued a career. This type of alimony is typically awarded as a lump sum payment.
4. Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony is awarded to provide ongoing financial support to a spouse who is unable to become self-sufficient due to age, illness, or disability. This type of alimony is typically awarded for an indefinite period of time and can only be terminated if the recipient spouse remarries or passes away.
5. Limited Duration Alimony
Limited duration alimony is awarded for a set period of time to provide financial support to a spouse who needs assistance but is expected to become self-sufficient in the future. This type of alimony is typically awarded for a period of years based on the length of the marriage.
Determining which type of alimony is right for your situation can be challenging. It is important to work with an experienced divorce attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of alimony law in Rhode Island. At Moyer Law, PC, we have extensive experience helping clients with alimony issues.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.