What is the difference between alimony and alimony pendente lite?
Alimony pendente lite is paid while the divorce is pending and is based on the need of one party to have sufficient financial resources to participate in a divorce proceeding on an equal financial footing. Alimony is only available after the divorce decree has been entered and is only awarded if necessary. It is based upon need and may be reduced or terminated upon a change in economic circumstances or the remarriage or cohabitation of the recipient. The primary purpose of alimony is to provide one spouse with sufficient income to obtain the necessities of life.
