During a divorce one of the principle concerns of both spouses is alimony. Depending on the length of the marriage and the circumstances therein, there are four types of alimony payment that are commonly awarded. These alimony payments are usually calculated by the spouse's ability to maintain the financial lifestyle that they have become accustomed, in addition to any financial sacrifices the spouse made during the course of the marriage. 

Temporary Support

Temporary support is different from short-term support; it begins the second the divorce proceedings begin, before a settlement occurs either in or out of court. Temporary support is designed to ensure that the spouse receiving support is able to maintain their lifestyle in a reasonable fashion while the divorce proceedings continue. But that doesn't mean that the other spouse cannot contest this temporary support with the help of a divorce attorney. 

Short-Term Support

Short-term support is designed to help those in shorter marriages recover financially. This form of alimony may last a few years following the divorce and is most often applied when the marriage was a few years long or shorter. If there is something specific that the spouse must do to begin earning again -- such as get a college degree -- short-term support may be replaced by rehabilitative support, which is designed to support the individual only until this task has been completed.

Long-Term Support

Long-term support is geared towards aiding those who have been in long-term marriages and thus would have difficulties maintaining their lifestyle. A spouse who has been a stay-at-home mother or father for two decades may not be able to easily enter into the workforce; thus, permanent or long-term support may be awarded. However, even long-term support can eventually end -- especially if the ex-spouse ultimately ends up financially recovering on their own.

Reimbursement Support

Reimbursement support is unique in that it is designed to help a spouse recover financially from specific decisions taken during the marriage, rather than simply provide a stipend. As an example, a spouse may have decided not to continue their college education because they needed to support their spouse's education instead. A reimbursement amount will be decided upon and payments will cease once that amount has been reached.

Regardless of the type of alimony awarded, there are situations in which it can be stopped. Those concerned about alimony can consult with the best family divorce attorney Connecticut that they can find. Alimony will commonly cease should an ex-spouse begin earning more money or get remarried.