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 California, spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial assistance that one spouse may be required to provide to the other following a divorce or legal separation. This support is intended to help the lower-earning or non-earning spouse maintain a standard of living similar to that enjoyed during the marriage. The amount and duration of spousal support are determined by various factors, including the length of the marriage, the needs of each party, their earning capacities, and any other factors the court deems just and equitable. After a spousal support order is in place, either party can request a modification if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a substantial change in income, employment status, or the needs of the parties. The process for modifying spousal support is governed by California's family law statutes, and parties typically need to demonstrate the change in circumstances to the court to obtain a modification of the support order.