support paid by one ex-spouse to the other as ordered by a court in a divorce (dissolution)
case. Alimony is also called "spousal support" in California and some other states.
Usually it is paid by the male to his ex, but in some cases a wealthy woman may
have to pay her husband, or, in same-sex relationships the "breadwinner" may pay
to support his/her stay-at-home former partner. Many counties and states have adopted
formulas for alimony based on the income of each party. Payment of alimony is usually
limited in time based on the number of years of marriage. Lengthy marriages may
result in a lifetime of payments. A substantial change in circumstance, such as
illness, retirement, or loss of income, can be grounds for the court to grant a
modification or termination of the payment. Failure to pay ordered alimony can result
in contempt of court citations and even jail time. The level of alimony can be determined
by written agreement and submitted to the court for a stipulated order. Income tax-wise,
alimony is deductible as an expense for the payer and charged as income to the recipient.
Child support is not alimony.
law dictionary, legal
dictionary, online law dictionary, legal terms dictionary,
online legal dictionary, legal definition, legal
terms and definition, Best online Dictionary, Law
Dictionary Software, Download Law Dictionary, law
dictionary, legal dictionary, online law dictionary,
legal terms dictionary, online legal dictionary,
legal definition, legal terms and definition, Best
online Dictionary, Law Dictionary Software, Download
Law Dictionary
