Spousal support (alimony) is a court-ordered stipend to a spouse in lieu of the other spouse's legal obligation for support. Alimony is not an absolute right, but depends upon the circumstances of each particular case. The Court can grant an order requiring support payments to either party for a limited or indefinite length of time.

Spousal support has four types: temporary, restitution (reimbursement), rehabilitation, and traditional. An alimony award will differ in amount and duration according to the purpose of the alimony and the facts of the case.