Everything You Need to Know About Permanent Spousal Support

When couples separate, spousal support, also known as alimony or maintenance, is a legal obligation to pay financial support to your former partner. Permanent spousal support is a type of spousal support that is paid on an ongoing basis, usually until the death or remarriage of the recipient spouse. If you’re considering divorce or have recently gone through one, it is important to understand the differences between permanent and other types of spousal support. This article will provide an overview of permanent spousal support and discuss how it works, who is eligible for it, and what to expect if you enter into a spousal support agreement.

Permanent spousal support

, also known as alimony or maintenance, is an agreement between two former spouses in which one spouse pays the other a certain amount of money for a set period of time.

The first type of permanent spousal support is called rehabilitative support. This type of support is designed to help the recipient spouse become financially independent by providing them with education, training, or other resources. The second type of permanent spousal support is called indefinite support. This type of support is designed for spouses who are unable to become financially independent due to age or disability.

The third type of permanent spousal support is called lump-sum support. This type of support is designed to help the recipient spouse pay off debt or make a large purchase. In order to be eligible for any type of permanent spousal support, the spouses must meet certain criteria. First, the couple must have been married for at least 10 years.

Second, the recipient spouse must be able to prove that they are unable to become financially independent due to age or disability. Third, the paying spouse must have sufficient income to make the payments. Once a couple has been deemed eligible for permanent spousal support, they must decide on the amount and duration of the payments. The amount of the payments is typically based on a percentage of the paying spouse’s income.

The duration of the payments is usually determined by the couple’s financial situation and can range from a few years to the lifetime of either spouse. It’s important to note that permanent spousal support is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each couple’s situation is unique and needs to be taken into consideration when determining what type of permanent spousal support is best for them. Additionally, it’s important to remember that permanent spousal support is not an automatic right – it must be requested by the recipient spouse and approved by the court.

Types of Permanent Spousal Support

Permanent spousal support, also known as alimony or maintenance, can come in three different types: rehabilitative support, indefinite support, and lump-sum support.

Rehabilitative Support

Rehabilitative support is the most commonly awarded type of permanent spousal support.

It is typically ordered for a limited period of time and is designed to assist the recipient in getting back on their feet financially. The recipient may use this money to pay for job training, education, or other necessary costs for becoming self-sufficient.

Indefinite Support

Indefinite support is a type of permanent spousal support that does not have an end date and is usually awarded in cases where the recipient cannot become financially independent due to age or disability. This type of support may be modified or terminated if either spouse’s circumstances change significantly.

Lump-Sum Support

Lump-sum support is a one-time payment that is usually awarded to the recipient when the court believes that it would be difficult to collect periodic payments.

This type of permanent spousal support may be used to cover attorney fees or other costs associated with the divorce. Permanent spousal support is a beneficial agreement for former spouses who may not be able to become financially independent due to age or disability. It is important to understand all of the types of permanent spousal support available, as well as the eligibility requirements and how it works. If you think you may be eligible for this type of alimony, it is best to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney who can provide guidance on how to best proceed. While permanent spousal support can be a difficult process for both parties, it can provide a valuable source of financial security for those in need. If you are considering entering into an agreement, understanding the various types of alimony available and the legal requirements involved is essential for making sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

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Bridget Alex

Bridget graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1998. Following her passion for law and justice, she pursued further studies at Harvard Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctorate (JD) in 2001.

Bridget is a seasoned divorce attorney with more than two decades of experience under her belt. She kickstarted her professional journey as an Associate at a renowned law firm, Wright & Sullivan, where she handled various family law matters, with a focus on divorce mediation. In 2007, she moved to Gibson & Associates, a prestigious law firm where she headed the Family Law Division.

In 2012, driven by a deep desire to make a larger impact, she established her own law firm, Roanhorse Law Associates. Under her expert guidance, the firm has carved a name for itself in the field of family law, particularly divorce mediation. Her empathetic yet pragmatic approach has been instrumental in resolving numerous challenging divorce cases, and she has consistently been recognized as one of the top divorce attorneys in her city.

Bridget's extensive knowledge and practical experience have also led her to share her wisdom with a broader audience. She has written several influential books on divorce mediation, which have become valuable resources for both practicing attorneys and individuals going through divorce.

Her first book, "Navigating the Divorce Storm: A Guide to Mediation" (2010), demystifies the divorce mediation process. This was followed by "Children First: Prioritizing Kids in Divorce" (2013), focusing on the importance of considering children's needs during the divorce process.

Her most recent book, "From Adversaries to Allies: Transformative Divorce Mediation" (2021), further deepens the conversation by examining how divorce can be a transformative journey for all parties involved if handled with understanding and respect.