Basically, there is no difference between alimony and spousal support. The term alimony has been used for a long time, but it is being phased out by the more modern, gender-neutral term spousal support. Another term you may hear used in the legal world is spousal maintenance, which is also considered more up-to-date.
Spousal support is determined by the court, and legal regulations state simply that the spouse who is in a financially stronger position will make payments to the other spouse, which can mean either the husband or the wife. The amount of the spousal support and the length of time the spouse is obligated to pay this support are determined by the court during the divorce proceedings.
There are many factors courts use to determine the final amount of spousal support to be awarded, but generally, the courts have a great deal of discretion when making those decisions. How long spousal supports lasts, whether it’s permanent or temporary, and other measures are determined by many factors, including financial considerations.
Do not confuse alimony, spousal support, or spousal maintenance with child support. That is a separate legal order by the court for the children’s support. Even prenuptial or postnuptial agreements cannot waive child support obligations, and stringent measures are taken to enforce child support orders.
