WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ALIMONY?
In Louisiana, spousal support typically is described as either rehabilitative alimony or permanent alimony. Rehabilitative alimony is alimony paid for a specific period, where it is anticipated that all alimony will cease at the end of that period. This form of alimony allows the necessary amount of time for the dependent spouse to improve his or her education or acquire new work skills and return to employment. In a substantial percentage of cases, rehabilitative alimony is not enough to allow the receiving spouse to be self-sufficient. Permanent alimony is alimony to be paid for an indefinite period. Despite its name, the parties should not expect that permanent alimony will be paid for life. Permanent alimony may be allowed if the requesting spouse is relatively free from fault for the divorce and does not have sufficient means of support. If one spouse is found to be at fault for the breakup, that spouse usually cannot receive permanent alimony. Where a spouse is free from fault an
