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 (referred to as spouses) upon divorce. Financial support paid by one spouse to the other spouse while the divorce is pending is often called temporary support.

The law regarding eligibility for spousal support—including the number of years payments must be made and the amount of the payments—often depends on factors such as the length of the marriage, the spouses’ relative earning capacities, the dependent spouse’s education and employment skills, the time a dependent spouse needs to obtain sufficient education or training, and whether there was family violence in the marriage.

Spousal support payments are generally taxable income to the person receiving the payments and deductible for the person making the payments. Such payments generally terminate upon (1) the end of the court-ordered award or payment period; (2) the death of either spouse; or (3) the remarriage of the spouse receiving the payments. And in some states the court may terminate the payments if the spouse receiving payments cohabits (lives) with another person with whom they have a romantic relationship.

Spousal support laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the family or domestic relations code.

In North Dakota, alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. The state's laws consider several factors when determining eligibility for spousal support, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, the educational and employment skills of the dependent spouse, the time necessary for the dependent spouse to gain adequate education or training, and the presence of family violence during the marriage. The amount and duration of spousal support payments are decided on a case-by-case basis, and the court has significant discretion in these matters. Spousal support is typically considered taxable income for the recipient and tax-deductible for the payer. Payments usually end when the court-ordered period expires, upon the death of either spouse, or if the recipient remarries. In some cases, cohabitation with a new romantic partner may also lead to the termination of spousal support. It is important to consult with an attorney for specific guidance as individual circumstances can significantly affect spousal support arrangements in North Dakota.