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 Montana, spousal support, also known as alimony, 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, particularly if there is a significant disparity in the earning capacities of the spouses. Montana courts consider several factors when determining the necessity, amount, and duration of spousal support, including the duration of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, their financial resources, and their contributions to the marriage, among others. 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 needs of the receiving spouse. The relevant statutes governing spousal support in Montana can be found in the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), particularly in the sections related to domestic relations and family law.