What does permanent maintenance entail?

Permanent maintenance, often referred to as alimony or spousal support, is designed to provide financial assistance to a lower-earning or non-working spouse after a divorce or separation. The correct interpretation of permanent maintenance is that it is modifiable based on changing circumstances, meaning that either party can request a court to alter the amount or terms if their financial situations change significantly. However, it does not end automatically; instead, it requires a formal court order to terminate or modify the agreement.

This means that while permanent maintenance is intended to provide ongoing support, it is not set in stone. If, for instance, the recipient spouse experiences a significant increase in income or the payer spouse faces financial difficulties, either party can seek a modification through the court system. Additionally, permanent maintenance continues indefinitely unless the court specifies another arrangement or one of the parties presents compelling reasons to change it.

By contrast, options that suggest a fixed amount paid once, limited duration until remarriage, or a specified end date do not accurately reflect the nature of permanent maintenance, which is intended to be ongoing and responsive to each party's circumstances.