In the United States, alimony is financial support that a spouse is ordered by a court to pay to the other spouse after they divorce. The payments can be ordered to continue until the receiving spouse remarries or dies, or until a specific date set by the court. Alimony is also known as spousal support or maintenance.
In most cases, the spouse who earns more money will be ordered to pay alimony to the other spouse. The amount of alimony and how long it must be paid will depend on many factors, including each person's income and earning potential, the length of the marriage, and whether there are minor children from the marriage.
There are two types of alimony: temporary and permanent. Temporary alimony is paid during the divorce process and can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. Permanent alimony is paid after the divorce is final and generally lasts for a longer period of time.
If you are going through a divorce and think you may be entitled to receive alimony, it's important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.