Under Alabama law, upon filing for divorce, a motion for temporary support (called Pendente Lite) can be filed, even if there are no children. That type of temporary support order is in effect during the divorce process. When the divorce is finalized, the spouse can then seek alimony.

Alimony is intended to provide support to a spouse after divorce for a specific period until the spouse can become economically stable, or until another event occurs such as the completion of training or an educational degree.

Alimony payment amounts are set by the court. In determining those amounts, the court can consider several factors. The two most important considerations are: 1) the need of the receiving spouse to receive alimony, and 2) the ability of the paying spouse to pay alimony. Other considerations include the age and gender of each party and each spouse’s health. The court can award alimony based on misconduct that caused the divorce. As well, the court can consider the length of the marriage, however alimony is awarded in both short and long-term marriages.