English
EspañolIf the judge orders alimony, how long will it last?
Alimony can either be temporary (“transitional”) or permanent (“indefinite”).1 However, even if the judge believes alimony is appropriate after considering all of the relevant factors, the length of the marriage will determine how long alimony will last.
|
If… |
Then… |
|---|---|
|
If the marriage lasted less than five years… |
No alimony should be awarded. |
|
If the marriage lasted between five and 20 years… |
Temporary alimony should be awarded for no longer than half the length of the marriage. |
|
If the marriage lasted 20 years or more… |
Permanent alimony should be awarded. 2 |
The length of your marriage is calculated from the date you got married to the date the divorce case was filed. Any alimony that was ordered before August 1, 2024 will be considered temporary.2
Note: The time periods explained above are what’s called a “rebuttable presumption,” which means the judge will assume that these are correct. However, either party may be able to present evidence to try to convince the judge to change it.2
1 Minn. Stat. § 518.552(2)
2 Minn. Stat. § 518.552(3)
