Alimony Helps the Less Financially Sufficient Spouse

Alimony is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to the other, intended to provide financial support after the marriage has ended. Understanding how alimony works, who is entitled to it, and how it is calculated can help you navigate this complex aspect of divorce.


What is Alimony?


Alimony is a legal obligation for one spouse to provide financial support to the other after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help the lower-earning or non-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living to what they were accustomed to during the marriage. Alimony is not intended to punish one spouse or reward the other but to ensure fairness and financial stability following the dissolution of a marriage.

Types of Alimony


There are several types of alimony, each serving a different purpose depending on the circumstances of the divorce:


1. Temporary Alimony

Also known as pendente lite alimony, this type of support is awarded during the divorce proceedings and is intended to maintain the status quo until a final divorce decree is issued. Temporary alimony covers immediate expenses like housing, utilities, and legal fees.

2. Rehabilitative Alimony

This type of alimony is awarded for a set period and is designed to help the recipient become self-sufficient. It is commonly granted when the recipient needs time to acquire education, training, or work experience to reenter the workforce. For example, if a spouse gave up a career to raise children, rehabilitative alimony could support them while they gain new job skills.

3. Permanent Alimony

Permanent alimony continues indefinitely until the recipient remarries, cohabitates with another partner, or either spouse dies. It is typically awarded in long-term marriages where one spouse is unlikely to become self-sufficient due to age, disability, or other factors.


How Alimony is Calculated in Divorce Cases


Cours in both, Maryland Washington, D.C., determine the amount of alimony to award a spouse based on a number of factors that consider the financial needs and abilities of both spouses. The goal is to achieve a fair outcome that allows both parties to move forward financially after the divorce. Some of the factors the court considers are:


1. Duration and Length of the Marriage

The duration of the marriage plays a significant role in determining whether alimony will be awarded and for how long. Longer marriages are more likely to result in longer or permanent alimony.

2. Ages and Health of the Parties

The court considers the physical and mental health of both spouses, which can impact their ability to work and support themselves.

3. Financial Need and Ability to Pay

The court evaluates the financial needs of the spouse seeking alimony and the other spouse’s ability to pay. This includes an assessment of each spouse’s income, assets, and financial obligations.

4. Standard of Living During the Marriage

The court aims to maintain a similar standard of living for the spouse receiving alimony, as was enjoyed during the marriage, if possible.

5. Earning Capacity and Job Skills

The court considers each spouse’s current earning capacity, job skills, education, and work experience. If one spouse has significantly lower earning potential, alimony may be awarded to bridge the gap.

6. Contributions to the Marriage

Non-financial contributions, such as homemaking, child-rearing, and supporting the other spouse’s career, are also taken into account.

7.  What Led to the End of the Marriage

While Maryland and Washington, D.C. are no-fault jurisdictions, in some cases, the court may consider factors such as adultery or financial misconduct when determining alimony.


As mentioned above, these are several of the factors the court considers when determining how much alimony to award the non-self-sufficient spouse. To help you understand how alimony may impact you, contact P. A. Davis Law Office.

Share by: