What is Palimony?

When a husband and wife divorce, one party may ask the other for alimony or spousal support for a certain period of time. In some states, couples that have lived together but were not married can also seek financial support in the form of "palimony", a term gaining recognition in the family law community.

Unlike alimony, palimony settlements often wind up with one partner receiving a lump sum rather than monthly payments.

There are many reasons why couples choose not to get married. Some simply don't believe in the institution of marriage, others want to live together first before getting married while others, namely same-sex partners, cannot legally marry.

However, if a couple lives together for a substantial period of time, one partner may find it necessary to ask for palimony if the partnership comes to an end. In a palimony suit, one partner asks the other for financial assistance for a duration time. A judge then has the responsibility of approving or denying that request.

Palimony is a legal term that many are not familiar with, but should you find that you are hoping to obtain this type of financial support, it is a good idea to speak with a Raleigh family lawyer. The attorneys at the Hopper Law Firm can be of assistance, simply contact us!