What is alimony?

A: Alimony is also known as spousal support or maintenance. It is a monthly payment designated from one former spouse to the other and is meant to assist the recipient in their post-divorce living expenses. There are three main types of spousal support.

1. Open-ended: Payments continue until one party dies or the recipient remarries. This form of support is subject to change based on changes in either party's circumstances, such as the one paying loses a job or the recipient starts making more money. Changes to open-ended payments are at the discretion of the judge overseeing the case.
2. Limited duration: A set monthly amount is paid up until a specific date. After that date, the recipient may not seek any further support.
3. Contractual support: A contract of how much support a former spouse will receive and when they will receive it. The contract is drawn up by the two parties and can only be modified if both parties agree to the changes.