If divorce leaves you worried about your finances or payments to a former spouse, the word “permanent” can sound alarming. Arkansas courts can award alimony without a fixed end date, but permanent awards are uncommon. The length of an award depends on the couple’s finances and whether the financial gap is likely to continue.
When can permanent support be awarded?
Under state law, judges can make an award based on each case’s circumstances. Financial need and ability to pay are two main factors. Courts may also consider:
- Length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and assets
- Ability to earn income
- Health and medical needs
- Standard of living during the marriage
- How property acquired during the marriage is divided
A permanent award may be more likely after a long marriage when the lower-earning spouse has limited options for supporting themselves. Advanced age, chronic illness, severe disability, years away from the workforce, limited job skills or a major difference in earning ability may also matter.
How is temporary or rehabilitative support different?
Temporary payments can address financial needs while your divorce is pending. Rehabilitative alimony lasts for a set period to help the person receiving it work toward financial independence. That time could allow for:
- Career training
- Education or certification
- Returning to the workforce after years of caregiving
State law also allows a court to consider a plan built around those goals when deciding how much support to award and how long it should last.
Does permanent support always last a lifetime?
No. Unless a court order or agreement says otherwise, alimony automatically ends when the spouse receiving it remarries, lives full time with another person in an intimate relationship or either party dies. Occasional overnight stays do not necessarily mean that the couple is living together full time. Either spouse may also ask the court to review the award if their financial circumstances change substantially.
Understanding what long-term support could mean for you
Whether alimony lasts for a few years or much longer depends on your finances, work history, health and the circumstances of your marriage. Gathering records of your income, expenses and employment history can help you understand the factors that may shape alimony during divorce.
Because Arkansas judges consider many factors when deciding support, an attorney can explain how those factors may affect your situation and how long alimony might last. Having that context can help you approach the financial side of divorce with clearer expectations.