What is the difference between spousal support and alimony?

Spousal support and alimony are both payments made by one spouse to the other as part of a divorce agreement. While spousal support and alimony can often be used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two. Spousal support is a payment made to the other spouse during the divorce process by the higher-earning partner and is intended to provide financial support for the spouse who earns less. This type of support is temporary and can be modified or ended if circumstances change. Alimony, on the other hand, is a payment made by the higher-earning partner after the divorce is finalized to provide permanent financial support for the lower-earning spouse. In California, if alimony is approved, the duration and amount of payments are determined by the court. Alimony is generally paid until the receiving spouse remarries or passes away. In both cases, the payments are made to maintain the status quo before the divorce and to help each spouse become financially independent of one another after the marriage has ended. While spousal support is intended to provide temporary relief and alimony is designed to provide long-term relief, the most important difference is that spousal support is granted while the divorce is ongoing, while alimony is decided after the divorce has been finalized.

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What is the difference between spousal support and alimony?

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