WEST VIRGINIA Part 33

Types of support

West Virginia divides alimony into four types: temporary spousal support (also called spousal support pendente lite), permanent spousal support, rehabilitative spousal support, and spousal support in gross. Either spouse may request any of these types of alimony, but the spouses must be living apart from each other before a court will order payments.

Temporary spousal support refers to payments made during the divorce process. For instance, a homemaker spouse who cares for minor children will likely need financial help to pay for groceries, gas, and other necessities before the divorce is final.