Legal Definitions - transitional alimony

Transitional alimony is a type of financial support that one spouse pays to the other spouse during or after a divorce. It is also known as rehabilitative alimony. This type of alimony is meant to help the receiving spouse acquire the education or training needed to find employment outside the home or re-enter the workforce. It usually has time limitations, such as a maximum of one or two years.

For example, if a wife has been a stay-at-home mom for many years and has no job skills, transitional alimony may be awarded to help her pay for education or training to become employable. This type of alimony is meant to be temporary and help the spouse become self-sufficient.