How long does permanent maintenance last after a Louisville divorce? Kentucky family law generally classifies maintenance as temporary, rehabilitative or permanent. However, it is important to know that “permanent” in the case of maintenance does not mean “forever.” This concept is a bit misleading and it is important to understand the nature of maintenance and how and when it ends.
Maintenance during the divorce is usually based upon leveling the playing field between the parties so that each has the financial resources needed to work through the process. Out the outset or early on in the process of a divorce, the Court will often issue “temporary” maintenance orders. A temporary maintenance order generally applies to the period of time while the divorce is being completed.
Once the process of the divorce is completed the Court will usually issue permanent maintenance orders. How long does permanent maintenance last after a Louisville divorce? That depends upon a multitude of factors. It is better to think of “permanent” maintenance more in terms of “now that the divorce is completed” instead of “forever.” In most cases the Judge will place a time limit on the duration of the “permanent” maintenance.
Rehabilitative maintenance is generally limited in time and designed to allow the recipient to gain the education, skills, experience or knowledge required to be able to become self-sustaining. If the underlying marriage lasted more than 10 years, it is more likely that “permanent” maintenance will extend for a longer period of time. The amount of support is based upon many factors under Kentucky Family Law and is actually subject to change based upon the circumstances of each of the parties following the divorce and the issuance of permanent maintenance orders.
How long does permanent maintenance last after a Louisville divorce? Each case is different but the answer is usually not “forever” or until the remarriage or death of the recipient. This is why it is so important to work with the experienced, proven divorce and family law attorneys at Dodd & Dodd. We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our former clients and contact us or call 502-584-1108 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced divorce and family law attorneys.