Rehabilitative Alimony Benefits

Of the different types of alimony, rehabilitative alimony is considered the most beneficial to the person receiving it. Like Rehabilitative alimony is called this because it is considered to be paid over a time period where ex-spouses can rehabilitate themselves and achieve their goals. Some people take offense with the title, claiming that the term "rehabilitate" implies that the spouse receiving alimony had a personal issue that needed fixing. No matter the criticisms, the time period that a former spouse receives their rehabilitative alimony, is supposed to give them time to achieve these goals.

When a rehabilitative alimony case is reviewed in court, certain guidelines will be set up. Individuals are expected to achieve greater financial success and establish themselves within in a reasonable amount of time, although it may be difficult. A specific period of time will be set by the family court judge, taking several factors into consideration when deciding what the amount and length of time of the alimony payments should be. These factors are usually determined by the goals of the spouse who will be paid the rehabilitative alimony. These goals must be defined in the court when filing a motion to obtain rehabilitative alimony. The motion filed should include a detailed plan that the ex-spouse plans to take to achieve their goals.

It is important to keep in mind that the rehabilitative alimony will most likely end on the date that is determined, whether or not the ex-spouse has reached their goals or achieved any financial success. In some cases, if there are justifiable reasons, an ex-spouse may be able to be granted a rehabilitative alimony extension. The case is usually reviewed at the end of the time period and a decision is made. Rehabilitative alimony agreements are not set in stone.

A change in circumstances for either spouse may alter the rehabilitative alimony agreement or monetary amount. One may file a motion with the court if they think that changes should be made in the rehabilitative alimony agreement. If the spouse who is paid the alimony remarries, it is likely that the rehabilitative alimony payments will end. Rehabilitative alimony payments depend on future plans, so an individual's plan to achieve success should be carefully thought out before the motion is filed.

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