{"id":351781,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/divorce\/spousal-support-alimony-basics.html"},"modified":"2026-07-08T17:33:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T22:33:00","slug":"spousal-support-alimony-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/spousal-support-alimony-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Spousal Support and Alimony: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Spousal Support and Alimony: The Basics<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Alimony or spousal support is court-ordered financial support paid by one former spouse to their former spouse. The purpose of alimony is to ensure that the divorcing spouses enjoy the same standard of living as they did during their marriage. Courts typically award alimony, on a case-by-case basis, to the lower-earning spouse.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Alimony awards are not synonymous with property division. They are also separated from the division of marital property and are not a part of child support.<\/p>\n

Keep reading to learn more about alimony, including different types of alimony awards. Keep in mind that each state has its own alimony and spousal support rules. An attorney near you<\/a> can explain what you’re entitled to under your state’s laws and recommend next steps.<\/p>\n

What Is Alimony?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Alimony<\/b><\/a> <\/b>provides continuing income to a spouse who has little or no pay. The purpose of alimony is to limit any unfair economic effects of a divorce.<\/p>\n

One reason for spousal maintenance is that an ex-spouse may have chosen to give up a career to raise the family and care for the home. They may have also paid for the other spouse to go to school so they could get a higher-paying job. They may need time to develop job skills to support themselves.<\/p>\n

Laws have also evolved to reflect that either spouse may be eligible for spousal support, not just women.<\/p>\n

Types of Alimony or Spousal Support<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are different types of spousal support awards a court can make. Courts will tailor an alimony award based on the divorcing couples\u2019 situation. Your state may have different names for each, but the following will give you a general idea of available options:<\/p>\n

Rehabilitative Alimony<\/b><\/h3>\n

A court awards this during a transitional period while the lower-earning spouse is going back to school or is undergoing career training that will increase their earning capacity. Rehabilitative alimony is short-term support until the spouse becomes self-sufficient and can meet their financial needs. Often a judge will look at the duration of the marriage when deciding how long the support payments will continue.<\/p>\n

Reimbursement Alimony<\/b><\/h3>\n

This alimony repays one spouse for their contributions to the marriage. Often, one spouse will have supported the other while they attended school or training to increase that spouse’s income. This spouse may have even paid for training and higher education costs. One spouse may have stayed home to raise the family and care for the home instead of pursuing a career. This form of spousal support helps to balance the benefits the ex-spouse received from that support.<\/p>\n

Temporary Alimony<\/b><\/h3>\n

A judge may order spousal support while the divorce process is ongoing or as part of a legal separation agreement. Temporary support usually terminates once the divorce is final or a new support agreement exists.<\/p>\n

Permanent Alimony<\/b><\/h3>\n

The court orders this type of award when one spouse cannot work or support themselves due to age or disability. If there are children whose needs make it difficult for the parent to work to cover their living expenses, the court may grant them spousal support. It is not necessarily permanent. Spousal support will stop once certain conditions are met, such as remarriage or death of the supported spouse.<\/p>\n

Lump sum alimony<\/b><\/h3>\n

A judge may order a support award in one lump payment. The ex-spouses may also decide on a lump sum instead of monthly payments.<\/p>\n

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Need local legal help with a divorce? Find a lawyer near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Determining the Alimony Award<\/b><\/h2>\n

Alimony laws differ by state. Unlike child support<\/a>, which is mandated according to very specific guidelines, courts have a lot of leeway in determining whether to award spousal support. If ordered, the family law judge will decide how much and for how long.<\/p>\n

The Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act, on which many states’ spousal support statutes are based, recommends that courts look at the following factors when determining the amount of alimony<\/a> to award:<\/p>\n