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 Indiana, spousal support, also known as spousal maintenance, is not as commonly awarded as in some other states. Indiana courts may grant spousal maintenance in limited circumstances, such as when one spouse is physically or mentally incapacitated to the extent that they are unable to support themselves, or if they are the custodian of a child whose condition requires the custodian to forgo employment. Additionally, rehabilitative maintenance may be awarded for a period generally not to exceed three years to support a spouse who needs education or training to become self-sufficient. The modification of spousal maintenance in Indiana can be requested if there has been a substantial and continuing change in the circumstances of either party. This could include significant changes in income, employment, health, or the financial needs of either spouse. The process to modify a spousal support order requires a legal showing that such a change has occurred, and it is subject to the court's approval.