Are living expenses included in an alimony award?

In California, living expenses are sometimes included in an alimony award. This is called "maintenance alimony." Maintenance alimony is used as long-term financial assistance to allow the lower-earning spouse to maintain the same standard of living during and after the divorce proceedings. This type of alimony is subject to certain criteria, such as whether the recipient is able to support themselves through employment. Other forms of alimony, such as "bridge-the-gap" and "rehabilitative" alimony, are strictly for the purpose of providing financial assistance for a period of time until the recipient is able to become financially independent. Bridge-the-gap alimony allows the recipient to make a transition from a married to a single lifestyle, while rehabilitative alimony helps the recipient support themselves while in school or work training programs. These short-term alimony awards usually do not include living expenses. The amount, duration, and type of alimony will depend on a variety of factors. The courts consider the length of the marriage, the incomes of the spouses, their age and health, the contributions that each spouse made during the marriage, and their financial needs pre and post-divorce. Ultimately, the alimony award must be "just and reasonable" based on the facts of the case.

Related FAQs

Are alimony payments considered earnings for Social Security purposes?
What are the rights of an alimony payor?
Is alimony enacted differently in each state?
Is alimony taxable to the payor in all states?
Is there a formula for calculating alimony awards?
Are alimony payments taxable to the recipient?
Is alimony paid in perpetuity or for a fixed period of time?
Can a court award retroactive alimony payments?
Are alimony payments nontaxable to the payor in all states?
How is alimony calculated?

Are living expenses included in an alimony award?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts