Legal Definitions - periodic alimony

Periodic alimony refers to court-ordered financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a divorce. It is characterized by regular, ongoing payments (e.g., monthly, weekly) that typically continue for an indefinite period, or until specific conditions are met. These conditions often include the recipient's remarriage, the death of either party, or a significant change in circumstances that makes the payments no longer necessary or feasible.

The primary purpose of periodic alimony is often to help a spouse maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to what they enjoyed during the marriage, particularly when there is a substantial disparity in income or earning capacity between the former spouses.

• Example 1: Long-Term Marriage with Income Disparity

  After a 30-year marriage, Sarah and Mark divorce. During their marriage, Mark was a highly successful executive, while Sarah primarily managed the household and raised their children, working only part-time in a low-paying job. The court determines that Sarah, now in her late 50s, cannot reasonably achieve an income level that would allow her to maintain a lifestyle similar to what she had during the marriage.

  This illustrates periodic alimony because the court orders Mark to pay Sarah a set amount of money each month. These payments are intended to continue indefinitely, or until a specific event like Sarah's remarriage or the death of either Mark or Sarah, helping her maintain financial stability over the long term.

• Example 2: Spouse with Health Challenges

  David and Emily divorce after 18 years. During their marriage, Emily developed a chronic illness that significantly limits her ability to work full-time and earn a substantial income. David, who is healthy and has a stable, high-paying career, is in a much stronger financial position.

  This illustrates periodic alimony because the court orders David to make regular, ongoing payments to Emily. These payments are "periodic" as they occur consistently over time, providing continuous support to Emily due to her health-related inability to become fully self-supporting, and are subject to review if her health or financial circumstances significantly change.

• Example 3: Post-Rehabilitative Support

  Michael and Lisa divorce after 10 years. Lisa initially received rehabilitative alimony for two years to complete a nursing degree. After graduating, she secures a job, but her income is still significantly lower than Michael's, and she struggles to meet her basic living expenses while maintaining the marital standard of living. The court recognizes that while she is employed, she is not yet fully self-sufficient.

  This illustrates periodic alimony because the court may transition from the temporary rehabilitative support to ongoing, regular monthly payments from Michael to Lisa. These payments are "periodic" as they continue for an indefinite duration (or until a triggering event), providing a safety net beyond the initial rehabilitative period to ensure Lisa can maintain a reasonable standard of living.