Spousal support, also referred to as maintenance, is a payment from one spouse to another following a divorce or separation. This financial assistance aims to help a lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living after the dissolution of the marriage. For instance, if one spouse sacrificed career opportunities to support the family, a court might order the higher-earning spouse to provide support payments for a certain period.
The provision for spousal support recognizes the economic disparities that can arise during a marriage and the potential hardship a divorce can create. Historically, support was often awarded to women, reflecting traditional gender roles. Today, it is awarded based on need and ability to pay, irrespective of gender. Its purpose is to mitigate the immediate financial impact of the divorce and, in some cases, allow the recipient spouse to become self-sufficient through education or job training. This ensures a fairer outcome when one party exits the marriage at an economic disadvantage.
