Alimony is a type of spousal support paid each month to sustain a “way of life” that couples become accustom to during marriage. The purpose of alimony is to make sure that the spouse that is a lower wage earner or non wage earner doesn’t suffer from unfair economic effects.

There are very broad guidelines that determine whether or not alimony is to be awarded. If it is awarded, a judge will determine how much and how long will you receive it. Alimony payments only stop in the case of re-marriage of the receiving party, death of either party, or special circumstances ordered by the court.

The Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act which many states base their statues on recommend that courts consider certain factors before making a decision.

How long you were married
The level of economic status while married
Will the person paying still be able to support themselves while supporting the other
How long it will take for the one being supported to attend school or become self-sufficient
Keep in mind that you are not guaranteed to receive alimony. Your spouse can fight this and make it more difficult for you to receive payment. In a situation like this you can go back to court in a contempt proceeding in attempts to force the other spouse to pay.

The length of time that one might receive alimony support is determined by the ability for the person receiving support to thrive on their own without the money they are receiving from the other.

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