What Is Alimony (Spousal Support)?
Payments from one spouse to the other after divorce to address income disparity.
Alimony, also called spousal support or maintenance depending on the state, is a financial payment made by one former spouse to the other after divorce. Its purpose is to address the economic disparity that often exists between spouses, particularly when one spouse sacrificed career advancement or earning capacity for the benefit of the marriage — such as staying home to raise children or supporting the other spouse through education. Alimony can be temporary (during the divorce process), rehabilitative (for a set period while the receiving spouse becomes self-supporting), or in some states, permanent (particularly after long marriages). The amount and duration depend on factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse's age and health. Some states use formulas to calculate alimony, while others leave it to judicial discretion.
Free calculators for alimony, child support, settlement division, and housing costs.
View CalculatorsThis definition is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
From uncertainty to clarity in 3 steps
No account required. No credit card. Just your numbers.
Enter your numbers
Settlement amount, income, expenses, alimony, house — takes about 2 minutes. Everything runs privately in your browser.
See the projection
Get a year-by-year chart showing your net worth from now through age 100. Green, yellow, or red — you'll know where you stand instantly.
Model & export
Test different settlement terms to find which saves you the most money, compare offers side-by-side, and export a report for your attorney.
Every projection is deterministic — same inputs always produce the same outputs. Results are estimates based on the assumptions you provide.
See what a Pro analysis looks like
We built a complete Pro analysis for a fictional person named Sarah. Explore every section — charts, what-if scenarios, risk timeline, negotiation leverage — so you can see what’s included before running your own numbers.
You don’t need a $5,000 CDFA retainer to understand your own numbers
Start with the free projection. If the numbers raise questions you can’t answer, upgrade to Pro for $19 — one-time, no subscription — and discover which settlement terms could save you thousands.
Not financial or legal advice. DivorceSmart is an educational planning tool. Always consult a qualified attorney and financial advisor before making settlement decisions.