What is the difference between alimony and spousal support?

Alimony and spousal support are terms used to refer to money paid by one spouse to the other spouse in a divorce. In California, alimony and spousal support are the same thing, but they have different meanings in other states. Alimony is a payment from one spouse to the other after a divorce is finalized. The amount paid is typically based on the income of both spouses before the divorce. It is typically intended to maintain the lifestyle the couple had before the divorce, providing for the spouse who may need extra financial help. Spousal support, on the other hand, is usually payment made by one spouse to the other while the divorce is still in process. The purpose of spousal support is to help maintain the standard of living the couple shared prior to the divorce, while the divorce is pending. The major difference between alimony and spousal support is that alimony is paid after the divorce is finalized, and spousal support is paid while the divorce process is still ongoing. Additionally, alimony is paid to help the lower-earning spouse maintain the lifestyle of the couple, while spousal support may have different goals depending on the individual case.

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What is the difference between alimony and spousal support?

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