Support & Alimony

Standard of Living

The level of financial comfort and lifestyle established during the marriage, used as a benchmark for spousal support.

Understanding Standard of Living

Courts examine the marital standard of living to determine appropriate spousal support. This includes the family's spending habits on housing, travel, education, dining, and recreation. The goal is not necessarily to replicate the exact lifestyle but to ensure neither party faces an unjust drop in living conditions. In high-net-worth divorces, establishing the standard of living can involve forensic accountants analyzing years of spending.

Real-World Examples

The court considered their $15,000 monthly household budget when setting the standard of living for alimony purposes.

Related Terms

Spousal Support

Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce to help maintain a reasonable standard of living. Also called alimony.

Imputed Income

Income attributed to a spouse by the court based on their earning capacity, even if they are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Have Questions About Standard of Living?

Our AI advisor can explain how standard of living applies to your specific situation — free, private, and available 24/7.

Ask About Standard of Living

Was this helpful? Help us keep it free.

divorce911.ai is funded entirely by donations. Every dollar keeps the AI assistant and 1,700+ guides free for people in crisis.

Support Us

Know someone going through a divorce? This could help them.

This definition is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws and terminology may vary by state and jurisdiction.

Always consult a licensed attorney in your area for advice specific to your situation.