ALIMONY

financial support paid to one spouse from the other. May be paid in one lump sum or in installments. It can be temporary or permanent. (see spousal support section)

Spousal support sometimes paid by agreement of the parties or by court order. The payments are usually periodic payments, but sometimes in a lump. In the absence of a separation agreement, courts must consider the same statutory factors as required in property divisions (See Equitable Division of Property).

Court-ordered spousal support, usually periodic payments, but sometimes paid in a lump sum as part of a marital agreement (alimony "buyout"). More modern terms include "maintenance" and "spousal support." Payments are tax deductible to the payor and includable in the payee’s taxable income. Similarly situated parties are treated dissimilarly when the only difference is gender. Most courts are sympathetic to women, especially in long-term marriages or when the husband has a high income or greater resources. In their zeal to protect women, some courts favor wives despite their economic equality.
See Rehabilitative Alimony and Temporary Support.