ALIMONY may also be a part of divorce. Alimony is money paid to support an ex-spouse in need where the other ex-spouse has the ability to pay. Alimony may be for any length of time, for specific transitional purposes, or to maintain a standard of living.
In "short term" marriages(less than 7 years), there is a presumption that there will be no alimony, but the court can consider exceptions. In "mid-length" marriages (seven to fourteen years), there is a presumption that there will be some form of alimony, such as to fund education for-training to enable the lower earning spouse to qualify for a higher paying job.
In "longer term" marriages (at least fourteen years), there is a presumption that alimony may also be paid for a longer period of time when one of the parties has a long term need for continuing support.