Navigating the financial aspects of a divorce can be a challenging experience. One type of financial support that can be ordered is rehabilitative alimony. This is a specific type of support that is not intended to be a permanent solution, but rather a temporary bridge to help the recipient become self-sufficient. 

What is Rehabilitative Alimony?

Unlike permanent alimony, which can continue until one of the parties remarries or passes away, rehabilitative alimony is a time-limited payment. Its sole purpose is to provide the spouse with financial resources to acquire education, training, or work experience necessary to reenter the workforce and become self-supporting.

This type of alimony is based on the belief that a spouse who has sacrificed their career for the marriage should be given the opportunity to regain their financial independence. The Connecticut General Statutes, specifically C.G.S. § 46b-82, gives judges discretion to award alimony, including rehabilitation payments, based on careful consideration of various factors.

When is Rehabilitative Alimony Awarded?

Rehabilitative alimony is not automatic and is typically considered in cases where there is a clear and realistic path for the spouse receiving it to become financially independent. This may include:

• A spouse who has put their career on hold to care for children and now needs to refresh their skills or obtain a degree.
• A spouse seeking to obtain a professional license or certificate to return to their previous field.
• A spouse requiring specific training or education in order to transition to a new, stable career.

The key to success is presenting a clear and realistic plan for rehabilitation. Vague hopes for future employment are generally not enough. The court will want to see a specific goal, such as completing a two-year degree program or one-year vocational training, with a reasonable timeline for completion.

The Legal Factors a Court Considers

To determine the amount and duration of an alimony award for rehabilitation, a judge will consider the factors outlined in C.G.S. § 46b-82. These factors include:

• The length of the marriage
• The age, health, and occupation of each party
• The employability of each spouse
• The needs of each spouse
• Opportunities for each spouse to acquire future assets and income

The court’s analysis is forward-looking, assessing not only the current financial disparity, but also the potential for the receiving spouse to close this gap within a specified period of time with support. The award aims to be a direct investment in their future self-sufficiency.

Modification and Termination of Rehabilitative Alimony

A defining feature of rehabilitative alimony is that it has a specific end date, typically aligned with the completion of a rehabilitation plan. However, life can be unpredictable. If the receiving spouse does not make good-faith efforts to follow the rehabilitation plan, the paying spouse may request a modification or termination of the alimony order.

Conversely, if the spouse receiving alimony encounters unforeseen circumstances that delay their ability to make progress, such as a serious illness or unexpected lack of employment opportunities, they may request the court to extend the duration of support. 

Any modification to the order requires a substantial change in circumstances, as interpreted by Connecticut case law. Our firm has experience assisting clients with modifying alimony orders when life takes an unexpected turn.

Protect Your Financial Future

Understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding spousal support is essential for securing a stable financial future after a divorce. If you have any questions about alimony or other aspects of the divorce process, contact Darius Law Group LLC to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Let us provide you with personalized legal advice to make informed decisions.