In Rhode Island, some spouses who go through a divorce may be ordered to pay alimony. In addition to creating a strain on personal finances, it can cause other problems as well. How long alimony lasts depends on the type of alimony awarded and other factors. There are several types of alimony.
Temporary alimony
With this type of alimony, one spouse provides payments to the other during the divorce process. Once the divorce is finished, the payments end. However, asset division, child custody issues and other potential factors can affect how long the process takes.
Reimbursement alimony
Today, it is common for one spouse to work while the other studies or receives some type of training for a better career. If that happens, the spouse who paid for the training of the other spouse may request reimbursement alimony in some cases. This is especially true if the training or education greatly improves the life of the person who received the training. For example, if a wife worked a low-paying job and paid for the husband to go to law school before they divorced, the wife may be entitled to reimbursement alimony.
Rehabilitative alimony
This type of alimony has a specific end date, which is set when the divorce is finalized. Its purpose is to provide funds to one spouse until that individual can regain financial control of life.
Long-term or permanent alimony
The end of this type of alimony may occur when the receiving spouse remarries, retires or dies. However, permanent alimony is uncommon today.
Since the specific factors of each couple’s divorce vary, alimony arrangements may also vary. In some cases, neither spouse will receive alimony.
