Alimony

Alimony. Everyone has heard the word and has probably heard some pretty extraordinary things about it. But what alimony and will it come into play in your divorce? There are four types of alimony.

Permanent alimony (also called alimony in futuro) is the classic kind of alimony that everyone thinks about. It is a periodic payment (usually monthly) forever or until one spouse dies or the recipient remarries. This is the best known but least common type of alimony. There are only certain very specific facts that allow judges to order this kind of alimony.

Rehabilitative alimony is a much more common type of alimony and is one that many judges prefer. Rehabilitative alimony is considered an investment in the recipient’s earning capacity. Sometimes this comes in the form of paying the college tuition of the recipient or helping pay for a certification. Sometimes it is simply cash payments designated for a specific purpose.

Transitional alimony is also extremely common. Transitional alimony is designed to help the recipient make the transition into being a single person. Transitional alimony payments can range from paying a security deposit on the recipient’s apartment to cash payments for half the length of the marriage.

Finally, there is lump sum alimony (or alimony in solido). This type of alimony is awarded instead of long-term periodic payments. It can be a one-time cash payment or the recipient can be awarded more than their fair share of the property division.

Each type of alimony has advantages and disadvantages for the recipient and the payor. Each has different requirements, and each is used for a different purpose. There is no “one size fits all” alimony solution or even a consistent answer among judges about what exactly makes a “good case for alimony.”

An experienced Knoxville divorce lawyer can help you through the process as a potential recipient or payor. The attorneys at Shipley & Swain have over 10 years of experience working with divorce judges deciding alimony cases and advocating for their clients. Contact us today to see what alimony options are right for you.