Divorce could come with varying issues, usually stemming from the circumstances of the couple’s household. Some divorcing couples have clear divisions of their property and earnings, allowing a straightforward approach to splitting their assets and liabilities.
However, the situations could be more complex for other households where only one of the spouses earns income for the whole family. In these cases, the court could decide to help the other party become independent and self-sufficient, such as between bridge-the-gap and rehabilitative alimonies.
These types of alimonies seem similar because they are both short-term. However, they could differ based on their purpose and limitations:
- Bridge-the-gap: Its purpose is to help one party to transition into life after divorce. Depending on the divorcing couple’s circumstances, this alimony type aims to sustain the receiving spouse’s primary needs for a specific period.
- Rehabilitative: It aims to support one spouse in establishing their earning capability. It follows a rehabilitative plan, indicating how the party can redevelop the skills and credentials necessary to seek employment. Termination of this alimony type could depend on any significant change in circumstances or noncompliance with the agreed-upon plan.
Both arrangements could help support a spouse in a divorce who has no means to provide for themselves. However, their differences lie in how the support could lead to stability and financial independence over time.
Each household is different
The court acknowledges that each family is unique, requiring different setups based on the household’s operation during the marriage. If one party dedicated themselves to managing and overseeing the home, it could be reasonable for them to receive adequate support from their former spouse.
Sometimes, the situation could have other factors necessitating one parent to stay home, such as caring for a child with special needs. Fortunately, specific types of alimony could help address financial imbalances for divorcing couples. The court could consider all circumstances before making an appropriate decision.
