Are you under a court order to pay alimony or are you the party in need of support? Either way, understanding the types of alimony that a Connecticut court can award is essential. This knowledge can prepare you for the future, whether you’ll be making or receiving payments.
Here are the three primary types of alimony the state recognizes in divorce cases.
Permanent alimony
Despite its name, permanent alimony does not necessarily last forever. It’s a long-term spousal support that lasts until a significant event. These events include the dependent spouse’s remarriage or either spouse’s death.
The dependent spouse is typically the one who was not working during the marriage. Even if they were working, their income might be significantly lower than the other spouse’s. Permanent alimony helps bridge this financial gap and maintain their lifestyle like the one they enjoyed while married.
Rehabilitative alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is a temporary form of financial aid. This spousal support allows a dependent spouse to receive financial assistance for a limited period. Courts award this alimony to the spouse who needs the necessary education, training or job experience to become financially self-sufficient.
This alimony doesn’t last forever as well. Its duration depends on how long the spouse needs to finish their education, find a job and achieve financial independence.
Temporary alimony
Temporary alimony helps during divorce proceedings. It assists the lower-earning spouse with expenses during separation. This support is necessary when income disparity is significant to the point that the spouse struggles to meet their needs.
However, this alimony doesn’t guarantee continued support after the divorce. The final decision on spousal support is determined separately. The amount could be more, less, or equal to the temporary alimony.
Protecting your rights
To protect your rights, it’s crucial to understand the different types of alimony a court can award in a divorce. Remember, the awarding of alimony primarily depends on the financial difference between you and your spouse. It might depend on the length of your marriage. But it might also depend on the lifestyle during the marriage and other considerations. Going through a divorce alone can be challenging, so consider consulting a lawyer. They can guide you through the divorce process, especially regarding spousal support.
