Legal Definitions - short-term alimony

Short-term alimony, often referred to as rehabilitative alimony, is a type of financial support ordered by a court for one spouse to pay to the other for a specific, limited period after a divorce. Its primary purpose is to help the receiving spouse gain the education, training, or experience necessary to become financially self-sufficient.

This form of alimony is not intended to be permanent but rather to provide a temporary bridge, allowing the recipient to transition to independence. The duration and amount are typically determined based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, and the time needed for the receiving spouse to achieve financial stability.

Here are some examples illustrating how short-term alimony might apply:

• Example 1: Career Re-entry After Child-Rearing

  After a 15-year marriage, Sarah and Tom divorce. Sarah had put her career as a marketing professional on hold for ten years to raise their children. Now that the children are older, Sarah wants to re-enter the workforce but needs to update her skills and network. A court might award Sarah short-term alimony for two years, providing her with financial support while she completes a professional certification program and actively seeks employment. This allows her to become self-supporting without immediate financial hardship, illustrating the temporary and rehabilitative nature of the support.

• Example 2: Completing Education for a New Career

  David and Maria are divorcing after eight years. During their marriage, Maria worked part-time in low-wage jobs while David pursued a successful career. Maria now wishes to become a registered nurse, which requires a two-year associate's degree. The court could order David to pay Maria short-term alimony for the duration of her nursing program. This support would cover her living expenses and some educational costs, enabling her to complete her studies and secure a higher-paying job, thereby achieving financial independence. The alimony ends once she is expected to be employed in her new profession.

• Example 3: Establishing a New Business

  Mark and Lisa are divorcing after a long marriage where Mark was the primary earner, and Lisa managed the household. Lisa has always dreamed of opening a small artisanal bakery. The court might award Lisa short-term alimony for 18 months. This financial assistance would help her cover initial business startup costs and personal living expenses during the critical first phase of establishing her bakery, before it is expected to generate sufficient income to support her fully. The temporary nature of the alimony supports her transition to a new self-sufficient career path.