Alimony
Also referred to as "spousal support," alimony is a monthly payment made by one spouse to another in accordance to either a settlement agreement or a court decision. The purpose of alimony is to correct for any unfair economic effects of a divorce on one party, such as when a stay-at-home parent suddenly needs a source of income. FindLaw's Alimony section covers the basics of spousal support, the various different types of support, including temporary and lump-sum alimony, how to determine eligibility, calculating payment amounts, important records to save when paying or receiving alimony and much more.
- Spousal Support (Alimony) Basics
Article discussing the purpose, amount, and duration of alimony payment
- Temporary and Rehabilitative Alimony
Discusses various types of spousal support, including temporary, permanent, and reimbursement alimony (FindLaw Bookshelf )
- Permanent Alimony
Learn how permanent alimony works (FindLaw Bookshelf )
- Reimbursement Alimony
Learn how reimbursement alimony works (FindLaw Bookshelf)
- Lump-Sum Alimony
Learn how lump-sum alimony payments are structured (FindLaw Bookshelf)
- Alternatives to Monthly Alimony Payments
Article addressing how to avoid monthly payment programs
- Criteria for Ordering Alimony
Discusses factors a court uses when deciding whether to award alimony (FindLaw Bookshelf)
- Are You Entitled to Spousal Support?
Questionnaire to help you decide if you may be entitled to alimony, or required to pay
- Records to Keep When You Pay or Receive Alimony
Guidelines for alimony payers and recipients to help you keep track of records, documents, and receipts
- Alimony and Taxes
Collection of articles addressing tax aspects of alimony, including specific IRS implications
- Spousal Support (Alimony) Forms and Information by State
Links to spousal support forms and in all 50 states at D.C.