In Maryland, alimony payments are not set forth statutorily. This means a judge must decide both the amount and the period of alimony based on the financial needs and abilities of the parties. Two types of alimony can be awarded: rehabilitative or indefinite. Rehabilitative is set for a period to allow the person to start successfully supporting themselves. Indefinite alimony has no fixed end date and may continue for a long period or become permanent.  Indefinite alimony is much harder to obtain than rehabilitative alimony, and requires an “unconscionably disparate” standard of living between ex-spouses.