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 North Carolina, alimony is the financial support that one spouse may be required to pay to the other following a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to provide financial assistance to the spouse who earns less income or none at all, ensuring that they can maintain a standard of living similar to that which was established during the marriage. The court considers several factors when determining alimony, including the duration of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, the age and physical and emotional condition of both parties, and the ability of the supporting spouse to pay. Either spouse can request a modification of the alimony order if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income or living expenses of either party. The modification process typically requires showing the court that the change is material and ongoing, not just a temporary situation. North Carolina's statutes regarding alimony can be found in the North Carolina General Statutes, specifically in Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony.