Demetria Graves | April 21, 2025 | Spousal Support
If you’re going through a divorce or separation, you may have heard the terms alimony and spousal support. They’re often used as if they mean the same thing, but is there actually a difference?
In most cases, alimony and spousal support refer to the same type of payment. These are regular financial payments that one spouse makes to the other after a divorce or separation. The goal is to help the lower-earning spouse adjust to life without their partner’s income.
However, depending on where you live, the terms may be used differently. This blog will break down what each term means, how the law treats them, and what factors courts look at when deciding whether someone should receive these payments.
Are Alimony and Spousal Support the Same Thing?
Technically, yes—but the term used can depend on the state you live in. In California, for example, the courts usually use the term spousal support instead of alimony. The meaning is the same, though: it refers to payments made by one spouse to help support the other financially after divorce.
Other states may still use the word alimony, but both terms refer to the same idea.
Types of Spousal Support
There are different types of spousal support, depending on the needs of the spouses and the details of the marriage:
- Temporary support: Paid during the divorce process
- Rehabilitative support: Helps one spouse get education or job training
- Permanent or long-term support: Paid for a longer time, usually after long marriages
- Reimbursement support: Paid to repay a spouse who supported the other through school or job training
Each type has a different purpose, and courts may award one or more types depending on the case. To learn more, you can explore legal resources about support awards during divorce or types of family law orders.
How Do Courts Decide Spousal Support?
Courts consider several factors when deciding if one spouse should pay support, such as:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and earning ability
- The age and health of both spouses
- Whether one spouse sacrificed career opportunities for the marriage
- The standard of living during the marriage
In California, judges use specific guidelines to calculate temporary support, but have more flexibility when deciding long-term support.
Can Spousal Support Be Changed or Ended?
Yes, spousal support is not always permanent. In many cases, it can be modified or terminated if the person receiving support remarries, gains employment, or if there’s a major change in income or circumstances.
How Is Spousal Support Different From Child Support?
Spousal support is for the ex-spouse. Child support is a separate payment made to help cover the costs of raising a child. Both types of payments can be part of a divorce, but they serve different purposes.
If you’re dealing with both types of support, checking out resources on child custody and support issues can give you a fuller picture of how payments are handled.
Contact a Family Lawyer in California for Legal Help
Even though the terms alimony and spousal support are often used interchangeably, it’s helpful to know how your state uses them. In California, spousal support is the official term, and courts use clear rules to decide whether support is needed.
If you’re going through a divorce, understanding how support works can help you prepare for what comes next. If you need help with the process, contact an experienced attorney for an initial consultation.
The Graves Law Firm Pasadena
1055 E Colorado Blvd #500a, Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 365-1037
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