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 Nebraska, alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other following 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 earning potential or income between the spouses. Nebraska courts consider several factors when determining alimony, including the length of the marriage, the financial resources of each spouse, the time necessary for the receiving spouse to gain education or training for suitable employment, and the ability of the paying spouse to provide support. Alimony can be temporary or permanent and may be modified post-divorce if there is a material change in the financial circumstances of either party. Such changes could include a significant increase or decrease in income, or changes in the needs of the receiving spouse. The statutes governing alimony in Nebraska can be found in the Nebraska Revised Statutes, specifically within the sections pertaining to domestic relations and family law.