Alimony is court-ordered or agreed financial support from one spouse to the other during or after divorce. It is also called spousal support or maintenance in many states.
Courts usually look at need, ability to pay, marriage length, earning capacity, health, age, property division, and the marital standard of living. The exact rules vary by state.
Alimony is not automatic. Some cases produce no support, some produce temporary support, and some produce longer-term support depending on the facts and state law.
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Related FAQ
- How is alimony calculated?
Alimony is calculated differently by state. Some states use formulas or advisory guidelines, while others rely mostly on judicial discretion.
- What is rehabilitative alimony?
Rehabilitative alimony is support intended to help a spouse become self-supporting through work, education, training, or transition time.
- What is temporary alimony?
Temporary alimony is support paid while a divorce case is pending, before the final divorce order is entered.
- Who qualifies for alimony?
A spouse may qualify for alimony if they need financial support and the other spouse has the ability to pay. Courts often review income, earning capacity, marriage length, health, and the standard of living during marriage.
Educational use only. SettleCompass provides educational estimates only and is not a law firm or legal advisor. Results vary by jurisdiction, judge, and case facts. Consult a qualified family law attorney before making decisions.