Maintenance Pendente Lite and Permanent Alimony Maintenance pendente lite and permanent alimony are legal arrangements that specify how a former spouse will...
Maintenance Pendente Lite and Permanent Alimony
Maintenance pendente lite and permanent alimony are legal arrangements that specify how a former spouse will provide financial support to the other spouse after a divorce. These provisions are often included in divorce agreements and can be modified with the consent of both parties.
Maintenance Pendente Lite
Maintenance pendente lite is temporary alimony that is awarded during the pendente lite phase of divorce, which typically lasts from six to twelve months. During this period, the paying spouse is obligated to make specified payments to the receiving spouse. These payments can include:
Income
Property taxes
Health insurance premiums
Child support
Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony is an ongoing financial obligation that continues until one or both spouses die or remarry. Unlike maintenance pendente lite, permanent alimony is not subject to modification unless agreed upon by the court.
Differences Between Maintenance Pendente Lite and Permanent Alimony
The main difference between maintenance pendente lite and permanent alimony is the duration of the payments. Maintenance pendente lite is awarded during the pendente lite phase of divorce, while permanent alimony continues until one or both spouses die or remarry.
Benefits of Maintenance Pendente Lite and Permanent Alimony
Provides financial stability to the recipient spouse during the pendente lite or divorce period
Can help to prevent financial hardship and promote reconciliation between the parties
Can be used to address economic disparities between the parties
Consequences of Violating Maintenance Provisions
If either spouse fails to comply with the terms of maintenance pendente lite or permanent alimony, they may face penalties, including fines or imprisonment