Alimony, or spousal support, is a financial contribution one spouse makes to the other after a divorce. In Arkansas, courts decide the duration of alimony payments based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the recipient’s need for support, and the paying spouse’s ability to provide. This blog breaks down how long alimony lasts in Arkansas and what you should know about it.
Factors that affect alimony duration
In Arkansas, courts can award alimony temporarily, rehabilitatively, or permanently. The duration of alimony depends on the circumstances of the case.
Temporary alimony often supports the lower-earning spouse during the divorce proceedings. This type of alimony lasts until the divorce is final or until the court changes the arrangement.
Rehabilitative alimony supports the recipient spouse while they gain skills or education to become financially independent. Courts award this alimony for a limited time based on how long it takes the recipient to become self-sufficient.
Permanent alimony occurs in rare cases. Courts usually award it after long marriages or when the recipient cannot support themselves due to age, illness, or disability. Permanent alimony can continue indefinitely, but the court may modify or terminate it if the circumstances change.
Can alimony be modified or terminated?
Courts can modify or terminate alimony payments in Arkansas if a significant change happens in either spouse’s financial situation. For example, if the paying spouse faces financial hardship or if the recipient spouse becomes self-supporting, a court can adjust or end the alimony.
Ending alimony
Alimony typically ends when the recipient spouse remarries or cohabitates with a new partner. In such cases, the paying spouse can ask the court to modify or end alimony payments.
The length of alimony payments in Arkansas depends on the type of alimony and the circumstances of the divorce. Temporary alimony lasts only during the divorce proceedings, rehabilitative alimony lasts until the recipient becomes self-sufficient, and permanent alimony can continue indefinitely in certain cases.
