What is the difference between alimony and spousal support?

Alimony and spousal support are two different ways to provide financial assistance to an ex-spouse after a divorce. Alimony, also known as spousal support or alimony pendente lite, is a payment from one ex-spouse to the other and is typically ordered by the court. This type of payment is required by the court to ensure that the spouse receiving alimony has the same standard of living that was enjoyed during the marriage. This means that the spouse paying alimony must continue to support the other financially, even if the marriage has ended. Alimony is typically ordered when one spouse is in need of financial assistance to live while the divorce is still pending and is usually for a set length of time. On the other hand, spousal support is a payment from one ex-spouse to the other that is typically not ordered by the court. This type of payment is mutually agreed upon by both parties, and is usually based on a needs-based evaluation. Spousal support is often used to help one spouse bridge the gap of financial hardships associated with transitioning from a two-income household to a single-income household. Additionally, spousal support is typically for a longer length of time than alimony, and payments are often reduced or increased based on changes in circumstances. In Virginia, the amount and duration of both alimony and spousal support are determined based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each party, the age and health of each party, and the lifestyle established during the marriage.

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What is the difference between alimony and spousal support?

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