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 Maine, 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 help the receiving spouse maintain a standard of living similar to that enjoyed during the marriage, especially if there is a significant disparity in the earning capacities of the spouses. Maine law allows for different types of alimony, including general support, transitional support, reimbursement support, and nominal support, each tailored to specific circumstances. The amount and duration of alimony are determined by several factors, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, the ability of each party to pay, and the employment and income of each party. Either party can request a modification of the alimony order if there is a substantial change in circumstances that affects the ability of the paying spouse to pay or the financial need of the receiving spouse. Such modifications are not automatic and must be approved by the court.