Alimony
Court-ordered financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after divorce. Also called spousal support or maintenance.
Understanding Alimony
Alimony is designed to limit the unfair economic impact of divorce by providing ongoing income to a lower-earning or non-earning spouse. Courts consider factors such as marriage length, each spouse's income and earning capacity, age, health, and contributions to the marriage (including homemaking). Types include temporary (during proceedings), rehabilitative (for education or training), permanent (long-term marriages), and lump-sum alimony. Alimony may be modified if circumstances change significantly.
Real-World Examples
After a 20-year marriage where the wife stayed home to raise children, the court orders the husband to pay $3,000/month in rehabilitative alimony for five years.
State-by-State Variations
Texas caps alimony duration. California uses a formula for marriages under 10 years. Some states like Mississippi rarely award alimony at all.
Related Terms
An automatic increase in child support or alimony payments based on inflation or changes in the cost of living, sometimes built into the original court order.
CohabitationLiving with a new romantic partner in a relationship resembling marriage. Cohabitation by an alimony recipient can be grounds for reducing or terminating alimony.
ArrearageThe total amount of unpaid, overdue child support or alimony. Arrearage accumulates when a paying spouse falls behind on court-ordered payments.
Related Guides
Have Questions About Alimony?
Our AI advisor can explain how alimony applies to your specific situation — free, private, and available 24/7.
Ask About AlimonyWas 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.
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.