Alimony vs. Maintenance — What's the Difference?

Spousal support post-divorce.

Financial support during separation.

Varies by state laws.

Specific arrangements.

Rehabilitative.

Adjusted based on need.

Permanent.

Interim support.

Legal obligation.

Broad support definition.

Alimony (also called aliment (Scotland), maintenance (England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Canada, New Zealand), spousal support (U.S., Canada) and spouse maintenance (Australia)) is a legal obligation on a person to provide financial support to their spouse before or after marital separation or divorce. The obligation arises from the divorce law or family law of each country.

The process of preserving a condition or situation or the state of being preserved

(Law) An allowance for support made under court order to a divorced person by the former spouse, usually the chief provider during the marriage. Alimony may also be granted without a divorce, as between legally separated persons.

The provision of financial support for a person's living expenses, or the support so provided

A means of livelihood; maintenance.

The offence of aiding a party in a legal action without lawful cause.

(legal) A court-mandated allowance made to a former spouse by a divorced or legally separated person.

The act of maintaining or the state of being maintained

The means to support life.

The work of keeping something in proper condition; upkeep

Maintenance; means of living.

Provision of support or livelihood

An allowance made to a wife out of her husband's estate or income for her support, upon her divorce or legal separation from him, or during a suit for the same.

Means of support or livelihood

Court-ordered support paid by one spouse to another after they are separated

(Law) The wrongful aiding of another in the pursuit or defense of a lawsuit, especially in jurisdictions where nonparties are legally prohibited to provide financial assistance.

Actions performed to keep some machine or system functioning or in service.

(legal) A tort and (in some jurisdictions) an offence committed when a third party who does not have a bona fide interest in a lawsuit provides help or acquires an interest to a litigant's lawsuit.

Alimony, a periodical payment or a lump sum made or ordered to be made to a spouse after a divorce.

(legal) Child support.

Money required or spent to provide for the needs of a person or a family.

(biology) The natural process which keeps an organism alive.

The act of maintaining; sustenance; support; defense; vindication.

That which maintains or supports; means of sustenance; supply of necessaries and conveniences.

An officious or unlawful intermeddling in a cause depending between others, by assisting either party with money or means to carry it on. See Champerty.

Those actions required for the care of machinery, a building, etc., to keep it clean and in proper functioning condition, and to prevent or forestall damage due to normal use.

Payments, such as child support or alimony, to a dependent child not living with one or to a divorced wife.

Activity involved in maintaining something in good working order;

Means of maintenance of a family or group

Court-ordered support paid by one spouse to another after they are separated

The act of sustaining life by food or providing a means of subsistence;

Yes, maintenance arrangements can be adjusted as circumstances change, such as shifts in income or remarriage.

Alimony specifically refers to post-divorce spousal support, while maintenance covers financial support both during separation and after divorce.

Not necessarily. Alimony can be temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent, depending on the circumstances.

In most cases, alimony payments cease if the receiving spouse remarries or if either spouse passes away.

Tax treatment varies by jurisdiction and may have changed with recent tax laws. It's best to consult local regulations.

Not all divorces result in alimony or maintenance, as it depends on the financial situations and needs of both parties.

Yes, maintenance often includes child support payments as part of a broader support agreement.

Both are based on factors like income disparity, living standards, marriage duration, and each spouse's needs.

Maintenance durations depend on the arrangement, ranging from temporary to several years or linked to specific milestones.

While similar factors are considered, courts may apply different standards based on jurisdiction and case specifics.

Yes, some arrangements might allow for lump sum maintenance rather than regular payments.

While not mandatory, legal representation ensures fair negotiation and adherence to jurisdictional standards.

Courts may order retroactive payments to the date of filing, especially if there was undue delay.

Primarily, but courts consider each spouse's needs and obligations, including child support.

In rare cases where both have significant need and disparity, courts may consider mutual maintenance arrangements.