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 Connecticut, alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to prevent any unfair economic effects of a divorce by providing a continuing income to a non-wage-earning or lower-wage-earning spouse. Under Connecticut law, either spouse can be ordered to pay alimony, and the amount and duration of payments are determined by the court based on a variety of factors, including the length of the marriage, the needs and financial resources of each spouse, the age, health, and employability of the recipient spouse, and the contribution of each party in the acquisition, preservation, or appreciation in the value of their respective estates. Alimony can be modified post-judgment if either party experiences a substantial change in circumstances. Such changes might include a significant increase or decrease in income, a serious illness, or a change in employment status. The party seeking modification must file a motion with the court, and the court will decide whether to adjust the alimony payments.