State law does recognize that alimony, also known as spousal support, is appropriate in some divorces. Depending on the economic circumstances of the marriage, either party regardless of gender may have to pay the other alimony. The divorce settlement will establish whether alimony is paid as a single lump sum, in payments over a predetermined period of time or as an ongoing and permanent payment obligation. Legal support can be very important for a person pursuing spousal support or contesting demands for unjustifiable levels of support.