Bridge the gap – alimony which does not exceed two years, and it meant to meet the short term needs in the transition from married life to single life.

Rehabilitative – alimony specifically for the purpose of assisting one spouse in becoming a self-supporter.  This alimony requires that spouse to have a specific plan of gaining education or re-establishing skills.

Durational – alimony which is often provided when the length of the marriage does not warrant permanent alimony, but the factors of permanent alimony are met.  In this case, alimony may not last longer than the length of the marriage.

Permanent Periodic – alimony which is awarded after a long term marriage and takes into account the standard of living during the marriage, the age and health of the parties, the earning capacity of the parties, contributions to the marriage, the income of the parties, etc.  This type of alimony is terminated on the remarriage of the party receiving the alimony.

An award of alimony may be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances.  The two most common changes are a decrease in income of the party paying alimony or the party who is receiving alimony is in a supportive relationship.  In any event, an obligation to pay alimony may not leave that party with significantly less net income than the party receiving alimony.