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If you are getting a divorce and are seeking spousal support, it is important to keep in mind that there is not just one type of "universal alimony". Just as each person's situation is different, different types of alimony have been created. When you speak with a Houston alimony attorney, it is best for you to know what types of alimony are available to you. Once you understand what the differences are, you will know what to ask for in your divorce settlement. A Houston spousal support attorney can better explain which type of support is best for your situation. There are four types of spousal support/alimony, though all may not be applicable in your state: rehabilitative alimony, permanent alimony, reimbursement alimony, and limited duration alimony.
Rehabilitative spousal support
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When you ask for rehabilitative alimony, you are asking for alimony to be paid to you for a specific period of time; alimony payments will terminate at the end of that time period. This type of payment is most often used to help the receiving spouse get back on his or her feet; this includes time to find a new job or get training for a job, etc.
This is not always the best choice if the receiving spouse needs additional assistance to be self-sufficient and financially independent.
When this type of spousal support is selected, there must be a plan in place that explains how the receiving spouse will rehabilitate, as well as how long this will take. It is important to note that remarriage does not necessarily end this type of alimony. |
Permanent spousal support
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When you ask for permanent alimony, you are asking for alimony to be paid for a significantly longer period of time; the party that is paying the alimony can always ask the court to lower the amount of alimony or eliminate it altogether as the receiving party’s circumstances change.
Permanent alimony is often granted, particularly if one spouse is dependent on another. This is usually the best option to begin with because you do not have a set termination date and because it is not easy to foresee when the receiving spouse will be back on his or her feet. Other reasons to cease the spousal support include the death of the paying spouse, significant changes in the receiving spouse’s income, the remarriage of the receiving spouse, retirement, and more.
It is also important to note that the paying spouse can ask for a reduction in the amount of spousal support as his or he circumstances change. For example, if the paying spouse loses his or her job, he or she may ask for consideration. |
Reimbursement spousal support
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When you ask for reimbursement alimony, you are asking for alimony to be paid because you supported your spouse through his or her higher education because you expected to mutually gain from the additional earnings provided by this education. It is important to consider how much money the alimony receiving spouse spent towards the others education. It is important to note that remarriage does not necessarily end this type of alimony.
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Limited duration spousal support
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As its name implies, limited duration alimony is granted for a limited period of time. As circumstances change, so can the amount of alimony granted. However, it is important to note that remarriage almost always ends this type of alimony.
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When you are consulting with Houston alimony lawyers about your particular situation, make sure to explain why you want the alimony as this can determine what type to pursue. For example, do you want it to go back to school, because you supported your husband through medical school, because you raised the children while he worked, etc. Please contact our Houston alimony attorney to discuss the particulars of your situation.
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