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Alimony, more commonly called spousal support, is an amount your spouse gives you during separation or divorce. The amount is determined by your financial and other circumstances and is finalized by a court. Your support may be adjusted by filing a new claim with the court or through family mediation. Court approval is required either way.

Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, refers to a court-ordered payment made from one spouse to the other after a divorce or separation.

The purpose of alimony is to provide financial support to a spouse who may have a lower income or who made sacrifices during the marriage, such as staying home to care for children or supporting their partner’s education.

Spouse’s income and earning potential

The amount and duration of alimony can vary greatly, depending on factors such as each spouse’s income and earning potential, the length of the marriage, and the standard of living established during the marriage.

In many cases, alimony is intended to be temporary and to help the recipient spouse become self-sufficient. However, in some cases, alimony may be permanent, especially if the recipient spouse is unable to work due to age, disability, or other reasons.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards more limited and short-term alimony awards, reflecting a belief that recipients should make reasonable efforts to become self-sufficient as quickly as possible.

Alimony Definition

Alimony is typically paid by the higher-earning spouse to the lower-earning spouse, but the exact terms of an alimony award are determined on a case-by-case basis and can be negotiated as part of a divorce settlement or decided by a judge.

It can be paid in a lump sum or in periodic payments, and the payment amount can be adjusted over time based on changes in the recipient’s financial situation or the payer’s ability to pay.

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Alimony Definition