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 Wisconsin, spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, is financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other following a divorce. The purpose of spousal support is to help the receiving spouse maintain a standard of living similar to that enjoyed during the marriage, particularly if there is a significant disparity in earning capacities. Wisconsin courts consider various factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, the division of property, and each party's earning capacity. Under Wisconsin law, either party can request a modification of the spousal support order if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Such changes might include a significant increase or decrease in either party's income, a change in the needs of the receiving spouse, or other relevant factors. The statutes governing spousal support in Wisconsin can be found in Chapter 767 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which deals with actions affecting the family.