Alimony

Alimony (also called spousal support or maintenance) is payment from one ex-spouse to the other. The idea seems simple—one former spouse supports the other, but rarely is it that easy. In all cases, there are numerous factors that judges examine when deciding if alimony should be awarded, the amount and for how long.

Awards of alimony and other laws governing marriage and divorce are specific to your state. There's some guidance on how alimony is awarded, but the judge has wide authority to decide when to award alimony and when it shouldn't be awarded.

When deciding whether to award alimony, most state laws require judges to consider various factors, which may include:

•The standard of living during the marriage
•Each spouse's income and financial condition at the time of divorce
•The age and physical and emotional health of each person
•The need for financial support and the ability to pay alimony

Generally, the amount of an alimony award is the amount that the recipient will need for ''maintenance,'' which includes things like:

•Food, shelter, and clothing
•Reasonable or necessary transportation costs
•Household expenses

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