ALIMONY

1. How is alimony determined and who is entitled to it?

Alimony is awarded based on need. The court can order one party to pay the other party, but entitlement is not automatic.

2. Are there different types of alimony?

Yes, there are several types. The main two types are temporary and permanent. Temporary alimony, usually lasts for a year or two, sometimes as many as ten years. It is designed to allow the receiving party to get back on their feet, to get back into the work force, or get the party past the age where a minor pre-school age child is ready for school. It can also be used to help a party go back to school to get trained for a better paying job. Permanent alimony lasts for life, except when the receiving party remarries. If the receiving party remarries, permanent alimony stops. By agreement, some alimony is modifiable and some alimony is non-modifiable.

3. Can I ever get alimony changed after it is imposed?

If the alimony you seek to change is modifiable and there is a substantial change in circumstances that was not anticipated at the time of the original divorce proceedings, a court will entertain your request.

4. If I'm already divorced and didn't ask for alimony, can I get it now?

Absent some type of fraud, you are not permitted to go back and get alimony.

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