To qualify for spousal support, a marriage must be of relatively long duration (greater than 10 years at a minimum) during which time one spouse has sacrificed earning for the benefit of the other. A spouse will need to establish his or her need for support, which the other spouse has the ability to pay. Alimony may be paid periodically until either party dies, or the receiving spouse remarries. Alimony may also be ordered to be paid in a lump sum or until the receiving spouse rehabilitates her earning ability, thus removing the need for support.