What Is Alimony?

Alimony is a form of spousal support and is not granted in all divorces. A spouse must request alimony in order for a Judge to consider it. Alimony amount is determined by evaluating each spouses´ contributions to the marriage during its course. This includes economic contributions such as paychecks, but also contributions through housework and caring for the children. Alimony may expire after a certain amount of years, such as five years after the divorce is final. It may also expire once the spouse seeking alimony has "rehabilitated" themselves by going back to school or finding a suitable occupation.