Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce to help maintain a reasonable standard of living. Also called alimony.
Understanding Spousal Support
Spousal support considers factors including the length of marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, age, health, contributions to the marriage (including homemaking), and the standard of living during marriage. It can be temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent. Support may be modifiable if circumstances change significantly. Some states use formulas while others give judges broad discretion.
Real-World Examples
After their 20-year marriage, he was ordered to pay $3,000 monthly in spousal support for five years.
State-by-State Variations
Some states like California use a formula for temporary support. Others rely entirely on judicial discretion. A few states have eliminated permanent alimony.
Related Terms
Temporary spousal support designed to help a lower-earning spouse gain education or job skills to become self-sufficient.
Pendente Lite SupportTemporary spousal or child support awarded while the divorce case is pending, from a Latin term meaning 'during the litigation.'
Standard of LivingThe level of financial comfort and lifestyle established during the marriage, used as a benchmark for spousal support.
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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.