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 New Hampshire, alimony, also known as spousal support, is addressed under RSA 458:19. Alimony is a financial obligation on one spouse to support the other temporarily or permanently after a divorce. The court may order alimony if it finds that the spouse seeking alimony lacks sufficient income or property to provide for their reasonable needs and the other spouse is able to pay. The amount and duration of alimony are determined based on several factors, including the duration of the marriage, the age, health, social or economic status of the parties, the occupation and employability of the parties, and the conduct of the parties during the marriage. A modification of alimony can be requested by either party if there is a substantial change in circumstances that affects either the need for support or the ability to pay. The change must be substantial and could include changes in employment, health conditions, or significant changes in income. The court will consider the same factors as in the original order to determine if a modification is warranted.