what is spousal support

Spousal support, also known as alimony, refers to a court-ordered payment from one spouse to the other to help cover the recipients monthly expenses. It is intended to assist a spouse who did not work during the marriage or earns significantly less than the other spouse in providing for their financial needs after a divorce or separation. Spousal support is not gender-specific and focuses on income and earning potential rather than gender roles. It can be paid after the parties are separated but before a divorce is filed, as well as after the divorce is finalized. There are two main types of spousal support: temporary spousal support, which is an order for payments to a spouse before the case is final, and long-term spousal support, which are support orders made at the end of the case, also known as permanent support orders. The specific rules and options for spousal support vary by state, and the court considers various factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support, such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the earning capacity of each spouse.