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 Vermont, alimony, also known as spousal maintenance, is financial support paid by one spouse to another 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 both parties can maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to that which they enjoyed during the marriage. Vermont courts consider several factors when determining alimony, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, their incomes and financial resources, and their contributions to the marriage. Under Vermont law, either party can request a modification of the alimony order if there is a substantial and material change in circumstances. Such changes might include a significant increase or decrease in either party's income, loss of employment, or health issues. The process for modifying alimony is set forth in Vermont's statutes, specifically within the family law provisions.