The basics of spousal support or alimony
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a payment that one spouse may be required to make to the other spouse as part of a divorce settlement or court order. The purpose of spousal support is to provide financial assistance to the spouse who earns less income or who may have foregone career opportunities or education during the marriage to care for the household or children.
Spousal support can take many forms, including:
Lump-sum payment: A one-time payment made by the paying spouse to the receiving spouse.
Temporary support: Payments made by the paying spouse to the receiving spouse during the divorce process, until a final settlement or court order is issued.
Rehabilitative support: Payments made by the paying spouse to the receiving spouse for a limited time, to allow the receiving spouse to obtain education or training to improve their earning potential.
Permanent support: Payments made by the paying spouse to the receiving spouse for an indefinite period of time, until the receiving spouse remarries or dies.
The amount and duration of spousal support payments are typically determined by the court or negotiated between the spouses. Factors that may be considered when determining spousal support include the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, the standard of living during the marriage, and the age and health of each spouse.
