What is the difference between spousal support and alimony?

Spousal Support and Alimony are two different types of financial aid that one party can give to the other in a divorce. The key difference is that spousal support is money given during the divorce process and alimony is money paid post-divorce. In Wisconsin, spousal support, also known as temporary maintenance in the state, is the financial assistance given to one spouse while the divorce process is still ongoing. It is designed to ensure one spouse does not suffer a dramatic drop in their standard of living while the other spouse has exclusive control of the marital assets. Spousal support may be granted to either spouse, and a judge will determine the amount and duration depending on the specific divorce situation. Alimony, or maintenance, is money paid to one spouse after the divorce process is complete. Unlike spousal support, alimony is paid by the spouse that has greater financial resources to the spouse that has fewer financial resources. It is intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain their standard of living after the divorce and is paid for an agreed-upon period of time. Alimony payments can be modified if conditions change for either party. In conclusion, the main difference between spousal support and alimony is that spousal support is paid during the divorce process and alimony is paid after the divorce is finalized.

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What is the difference between spousal support and alimony?

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