Alimony, spousal support, spousal maintenance, or domestic partner support (collectively, spousal support) is generally financial support in the form of periodic payments (usually monthly) paid by one spouse or domestic partner to the other spouse or domestic partner upon divorce.

The person paying spousal support or the person receiving spousal support may seek to modify the court’s order for support—usually by increasing it or decreasing it—due to a material change in circumstances of the person paying support or the person receiving support.

Spousal support laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the family or domestic code.

In Pennsylvania, alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other following a divorce or separation. The purpose of alimony is to help the recipient spouse maintain a standard of living similar to that enjoyed during the marriage, particularly if there is a significant disparity in the incomes of the two parties. Pennsylvania law allows for three types of spousal support: spousal support, alimony pendente lite (APL), and alimony. Spousal support is provided after separation but before a divorce is filed, APL is provided during the divorce process, and alimony is provided after the divorce is finalized. The amount and duration of spousal support are determined by several factors, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, and their respective incomes and assets. Either party can request a modification of the spousal support order if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income or living expenses. The modification process typically requires showing the court that the change is substantial and ongoing, warranting an increase or decrease in the support amount.