{"id":70146,"date":"2021-09-27T11:23:02","date_gmt":"2021-09-27T11:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=70146"},"modified":"2026-03-10T05:54:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T05:54:57","slug":"what-is-alimony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/divorce\/what-is-alimony\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Alimony? How Is It Calculated and How Does It Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

Alimony is a term that often comes up in divorce proceedings, but some people may wonder, “What is alimony?” Sometimes referred to as spousal support, alimony is an important factor to consider when thinking about divorce.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, learn all about divorce alimony, including what alimony is based on, who gets alimony, and alimony requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What is alimony?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

In simple terms, alimony is a payment that one former spouse makes to another during divorce or separation. In <\/span>some cases<\/span><\/a>, alimony is temporary throughout separation proceedings, whereas other people will qualify for permanent alimony depending upon alimony laws.<\/span><\/p>\n

An alimony check is meant to equalize the playing field when the two members of a divorcing couple have significantly different incomes.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, if one partner stayed at home with children, or one spouse earned three times what the other earned, alimony payments may be made to the spouse with no or lower income to help them<\/span> maintain the financial status<\/span><\/a> they enjoyed while married.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How does alimony work?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Alimony is awarded as a part of pending<\/span> divorce or separation<\/span><\/a>. A judge will consider the receiving spouse’s ability to support him or herself and obtain financial independence. An alimony award may be temporary or permanent, depending upon the couple’s situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alimony may occur in the form of a lump sum payment, granted all at once, or it may be in the form of a property transfer, such as a judge ordering that one spouse be permitted ownership of the marital home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alimony payments can also be periodic, meaning that one spouse makes a monthly payment to the other. This is the most common form of alimony.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, the judge overseeing a divorce or separation case makes the final decisions based on the reasons for alimony in a particular case. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How is alimony calculated?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Pile<\/p>\n

Each state has its own alimony laws, so there is no standard calculation that can answer, “How much is alimony?” Some couples may come to an agreement on alimony, but if they cannot, a judge will determine the alimony amount that is awarded.<\/span><\/p>\n

A judge will calculate alimony based on each spouse’s current income, the paying spouse’s ability to pay, and the receiving spouse’s need.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, the judge will assess the difference in income between the two spouses and consider the future spouse’s earning potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another consideration when looking at alimony calculation is the length of the marriage, with longer marriages being more likely to result in one party paying alimony to the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

A judge is also likely to consider each couple’s expenses, any child support awarded to the receiving spouse, and parenting arrangements when calculating alimony.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that the difference between alimony and child support is that child support is meant to meet children’s basic needs, whereas alimony is intended to benefit the former spouse who has a lower income.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What is the difference between alimony and spousal support?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

While people often wonder about the difference between alimony vs. spousal support, in actuality, these two terms describe the same thing. It is becoming more common for people to use the term “spousal support” when describing alimony, although the two terms are interchangeable.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How long do you have to pay alimony?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

The duration of alimony payments will vary based on the length of the marriage and the type of alimony that is awarded. Consider, for example, the following types of alimony:<\/span><\/p>\n