Being on your own after divorce can be scary. You may wonder if you are eligible to receive alimony and for now long. The answer to this question usually depends on your circumstances.
Maryland has different types of alimony. Alimony pendente lite (“APL”) is alimony paid between the time you file for divorce and it is finalized.
Rehabilitative alimony lasts after your divorce is finalized but ends at a certain time. This is the most common type of alimony and it is usually paid no more than 10 years.
The third type of alimony is indefinite alimony, which has no definite time it terminates. While this might sound like exactly what you need, receiving indefinite alimony is rare.
Some factors considered for indefinite alimony
Indefinite alimony is typically only awarded when certain circumstances exist. Age, health or disability are factors considered when deciding if indefinite alimony should be awarded.
Generally, if you are over retirement age, have no prior work experience and your marriage was long-term, you have a better chance of receiving indefinite alimony.
Likewise, if you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from ever working again, indefinite alimony could be awarded.
Even if you fall into one of these categories, there is no guarantee that you will receive indefinite alimony, especially if your spouse fights against it.
Proving your case for indefinite alimony
You will need to present evidence of your circumstances and make arguments about why you will likely never be able to earn your own income again.
Evidence such as your age and length of marriage are usually easy enough to prove but proving you can never work again because of a medical condition is often more challenging.
If there is any chance your situation might change in the future, a court is likely to be reluctant to award indefinite alimony. You should plan a way to become financially independent and take the appropriate steps to get there.