Spousal Support
Financial payments made by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce to maintain their standard of living. Also called alimony or maintenance.
Encyclopedia entry: Spousal Support
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spousal support
Spousal support, also known as alimony , is a legal obligation on a person to provide financial support to their spouse before or after marital separation or divorce . The purpose of spousal support is to limit any unfair economic effects of a divorce by providing a continuing income to a non-wage-earning or lower-wage-earning spouse.
[Last reviewed in June of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team
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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.