What is alimony?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a court-ordered payment made from one former spouse to another following a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to provide financial support for a former spouse following a divorce so that both parties can continue to live with a similar standard of living as if they were still married. Generally, alimony is ordered when one spouse has a higher income and the other has a lower income, and in California, alimony can be awarded based on the financial situation of each spouse. In California, the length of time alimony is paid, and the amount paid each month, is determined by the courts based on a number of factors. These factors include the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of both parties, their age and health, their standard of living during the marriage, and their ability to pay alimony. Alimony can last for a few months or for years, depending on the individual circumstances of the case. Alimony is intended to be temporary and can be modified or terminated if circumstances change. This could include a change in the spouse’s income, the spouse getting remarried or living with a significant other, or if the spouse receiving alimony gets a significant raise. Changes in alimony are not automatic, so the spouse requesting a change in alimony must file a motion with the court in order to have the alimony payment modified or terminated.

Related FAQs

Can alimony be increased if the payor's income increases?
Does alimony have to be included in a divorce settlement?
Are alimony payments taxable to the payor in some states?
Is alimony revoked if the payor declares bankruptcy?
Are alimony payments considered earnings for Social Security purposes?
Is alimony reduced if the payor earns less than the recipient?
Does alimony have to be agreed upon by both parties?
Are alimony payments considered alimony for tax purposes?
Are unpaid alimony payments dischargeable in bankruptcy?
Can alimony be awarded if the couple was never married?

What is alimony?

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