Property Distribution in Dissolution
In this essay I will briefly delve into the topic of alimony and all of the deciding factors the court
takes into consideration during a legal separation or dissolution of marriage. According to the
text, alimony, also known as spousal support, is a court order that determines how much support
or maintenance one spouse may pay the other spouse during a divorce. During a legal separation
this is known as separate support or maintenance. Wilson, M. E. (2016). Family Law for the
Paralegal
pg. 399 (3rd ed.). (Ebook). There are several types of spousal support, and it is particularly important to know the difference
as a paralegal. Temporary alimony starts with the action of a petition for a dissolution of
marriage or separation in which one spouse has requested or made a claim for alimony, this
usually is within the petition or can be filed separately. Id.
at 408. A motion for temporary
alimony is not always approved, especially if the seeking spouse can support themselves during
the case period. If granted, temporary alimony continues until the case is settled, or it can set the
framing for a permanent order. Permanent alimony is paid weekly or monthly and indefinitely or
until the period outlined in the court order. Id.
at 408. The main purpose of permanent alimony is
never truly permanent but remains modifiable if there are circumstantial changes. Usually,
permanent alimony is granted to the caretaker of the home or the one who is in an economically
weaker situation, this is mostly seen in a long-term marriage. The only time permanent alimony
is permanent is in cases that have a surviving agreement. Lump sum alimony is alimony ordered to be paid in a one-time fashion or over a few
installments. Id
. At 409. This type of alimony exists for cases where one spouse has the available
