Alimony, or spousal support, is financial assistance provided by one spouse ot the other during or after a divorce. In Iowa, alimony is not automatically granted, but it can be awarded depending on various factors related to the marriage and each spouse’s financial circumstances. There are several different types of alimony recognized in Iowa that serve varying purposes and situations. If you have questions or concerns regarding your rights and responsibilities during the divorce process, work with an experienced Dallas County alimony lawyer.
What Are the Different Types of Alimony in IA?
Every marriage and divorce is unique, and there is not one solution that will work for every case. Spousal support is one of the most important issues addressed in a divorce, and there are several different types of alimony available for divorcing couples in Iowa. Consider the following.
- Traditional: Traditional alimony is a type of financial support designed to provide assistance to a spouse who will likely never become financially independent due to age, health, or other circumstances. Similar to what other states sometimes call “permanent” alimony, it is payable for life or for as long as the receiving spouse is dependent on the support. This is more common in long-term marriages.
- Rehabilitative: Rehabilitative alimony provides financial support to a spouse who needs time to gain skills or education in order to become self-sufficient. It is designed to support a dependent spouse for a limited period of time while they pursue education and retraining with the objective of the spouse becoming financially independent. If a spouse gave up their career or education for the benefit of the marriage, like staying home to raise children, they may be able to become self-sufficient but simply need time to train for a job, relocate, or go back to school.
- Reimbursement: Reimbursement alimony is exactly what it sounds like. It is spousal support awarded to one spouse to reimburse them for financial contributions made during the marriage that benefited the other spouse and their earning capacity. If one spouse worked full time to support the other as they attended law school, for example, they can be compensated for their contributions as they did so under the expectation that they would also benefit from the higher education and earning potential.
- Transitional: Transitional alimony has only been recognized since 2022. It can be awarded when one spouse has surrendered economic opportunities during the marriage and needs time to prepare to enter the workforce. This is a short-term type of support that allows the dependent spouse to adjust to their new reality. It is not designed to allow the spouse to work toward a higher earning capacity, but rather to help a spouse who already has a suitable earning capacity transition to single life and find employment.
Because there is no one-size-fits-all solution to alimony, it is important to understand the different options available. For more information and skilled representation, reach out to an experienced attorney today.
