Alimony laws are changing in many states from the previous "lifetime" (life of ex-wife or until she marries another man) model to a temporary model where the wife (usually the wife) gets alimony for a set period of time. The time period is usually set for 5 years at most, the time needed to complete a program of education or training neeed to move into a career field that would let them support themselves at the same level they enjoyed while married. These days, the only sure-bet way to get lifetime alimony is to write that into a pre-nup agreement OR somehow get your spouse to sign a contract before divorcing them that states they will unconditinally pay alimony to you in perpetuity.

Who's lifetime? The other persons or yours?

I really don't think you can unless it's a contractual agreement, and I don't know too many guys (or gals) who would do that and I don't blame them. If you are awarded alimony you are usually given a certain amount of time to become self-supporting.

Just get divorced in Massachusetts; that's all that is needed to collect alimony. I'm paying lifetime alimony currently and so are many others. There has been a bill filed 1/10/07 to reform the antiquated laws in this state. The hearing is scheduled at the statehouse for May 17, 2007. For anyone that is burdened by alimony please go to massalimonyreform.org to join our group and fight this injustice. Lifetime alimony = SLAVERY. It's wrong and it needs to change. Sadly, the system promotes the recipient to build a case for need, rather than being productive with one's skills. The system is horribly abused and the judges operate with impunity. The lawyer brotherhood wants billable hours, so they don't want to see alimony removed.

My wasband left me after 35yrs of marriage-he just wasn't happy. I was a stay at home mom (5 kids)so I had no employment for the years we were married, which was a mutual agreement.I was an idiot for not seeking lifetime alimony.There is no way I will ever be able to earn enough money to pay my bills, simply because I'm too old to get a decent paying job. My ex can work an hour overtime and earn $150/hr. So, I'm pursuing options at the present time on changing the alimony provision. My ex absolutely turned my world upside down for no good reason and the least he owes me is a fraction of the financial future I had every right to expect.

Last night, I went to a great restaurant and had an excellent steak... god it was good. Now I am used to eating steak, doesn't the restaurant owe me steak for life, since I am used to eating steak? It's only fair. Grow up and get a job.

Move to Florida, after 6 months file for divorce & ask for alimony. Florida is a no-fault state and you will get alimony. Fault does not matter, you can leave for a new boyfriend. Don't work, tell the Judge you can not work and that you need the money. Find a Doctor that will agree you can not work, trust me you will find a doctor that will help. Hire a lawyer that will collect the fee's from your ex, the Judge only cares who is working. File a financial affidavit showing your expenses, don't mention any money you may have or any money your boyfriend has. Tell the Judge that your ex makes good money and can afford your standard of living. You may also tell the Judge you live alone, don't worry about perjury, no one has ever been charged in divorce court and everyone lies. You should be able to get lifetime alimony, after 10 years of marriage it is pretty much a guarantee in Florida. If child support is involved, there is a chart that Judges go by. No guild lines for alimony, only if there is a need. You can be childless, alimony is different. "You want a divorce and alimony, you can not work, ex works and has the ability to support you". Make sure you tell the Judge your ex's gross income, estimate in your favor. Your lawyer should be able to get you temporary alimony and fee's until your final. Your Attorney will get the rest of his money and you should get permanent alimony thru payroll deduction at final. Your ex will comply or be held in contemp of court and face jail time, ex will still owe any back support. Proof is what is said in court and your lawyer should be able to guild you thru this. You will be amaze at how easy it is for permanent alimony and live with your boyfriend, just don't get married. You can live as if you were married, just don't get a marriage filed, unless his is rich (more then ex).

Whoever asked this question needs to get some self respect and a job!!!!! WHY FLORIDA’S ALIMONY LAW, F.S. (§61.08), WHICH ALLOWS PERMANENT ALIMONY, IS UNJUST AND NEEDS TO BE CHANGED: · This law allows the Courts to force an ex-spouse to pay PERMANENT ALIMONY to the other ex-spouse forever, unless the receiver of alimony remarries or dies. · This law was written in 1828 when alimony when most women did not work, did not have careers, and always stayed home caring for the kids. · It does not matter how old you are at time of divorce or if the receiver was working at time of divorce; even a 30-year-old person can be forced to pay alimony forever. · This law has loopholes so big that the alimony recipient can live with a lover and the children, be financially supported by the lover, and still receive alimony as long as the alimony recipient does not remarry. These loopholes encourage the receiver of Alimony to cohabitate with someone and never remarry destroying our family values. · It does not matter if the payer of alimony remarries, he/she still has to pay alimony forever. · All sources of income can be taken away from the payer to pay for alimony, even social security and disability benefits. · This law destroys families as it gives the alimony receiver financial priority over the children of the ex-marriage. · The state of Florida does not force a parent to support children over 18 years of age but it forces them to support an ex-spouse. · This law creates financial difficulties for the payer/parent and therefore causing the parent to spend less time with his/her children. · This law takes away the alimony recipient's desire and need to rehabilitate themselves and therefore defeats the purpose of any rehabilitative alimony or support that is awarded by the Courts. · Texas has already limited the time of support given to an ex-spouse to 3 years. Florida’s legislators and laws are behind in the times. · Texas’ alimony law has been in place and working for over 15 years. · “One third of wives are chief breadwinners” ( source MSN.com) These wives will be forced to pay Permanent Alimony to ex-husbands because they (the women) made more money during the marriage. This shows that this existing problem with the Alimony Law is a problem being faced by both genders. · Florida is losing a lot of residents because of the Alimony Law. Those residents are leaving the state because they know that if they get a divorce here that they will probably have to pay the ex-spouse alimony for the rest of their lives. · This law is bad for Florida’s economy. The Alimony money that is now being wasted by ex-spouses could otherwise be used to start businesses in Florida. · This Law is bad for families. It is encouraging divorces and encouraging the alimony recipients to not remarry and therefore destroying family fabric and values.

Ask an experienced matrimonal attorney.