Temporary: Generally until final hearing or the parties reach an agreement
Permanent: Generally continues until the death of either spouse or the remarriage of the receiving spouse
Rehabilitative: Generally support for a specific purpose that is meant to fund a plan to allow the receiving spouse to become educated or otherwise qualified to work at a particular job
Lump sum payment: Generally a specific sum designated for support purposes
Bridge-the-Gap: Generally for short term marriages, to help a spouse transition to single status
What determines the type, duration and amount of payments?
Ability of one party to pay the support to the other party
Standard of living the parties have enjoyed together
Age of the parties
Health, education and skills of each party
Other criteria may also be considered pursuant to statute and case law
What happens if the court orders an Income Deduction Order (IDO)?
This order requires the employer of the person paying alimony to deduct the support from the paying spouse’s paycheck and send it directly to the receiving spouse, or to a depository where distribution is made to the receiving spouse.
What if alimony is not paid?
Failure to pay alimony may be enforceable by a contempt hearing.
Willful failure to pay may result in a person being jailed.
Ability to pay and other pertinent factors will be considered.
