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 Kansas, spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, is financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other following a divorce. The purpose of spousal support is to help the receiving spouse maintain a standard of living similar to that enjoyed during the marriage, particularly if there is a significant disparity in earning potential or income between the spouses. Kansas courts consider several factors when determining whether to award spousal support, including the length of the marriage, the financial resources of both parties, the age and physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking support, and the ability of the paying spouse to meet their own needs while providing support. Under Kansas law, either party can request a modification of the spousal support order if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, employment status, or the financial needs of either party. The statutes governing spousal support in Kansas can be found in the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.), specifically within the family law provisions.