Spousal support refers to the obligation of a person to provide financial support to his or her spouse after separation or divorce. The purpose of spousal support, also referred to as “alimony,” is to reduce the unfair financial effects of divorce on a lower-wage-earning spouse, and to help ensure each spouse is able to maintain the same standard of living enjoyed during the marriage. Spousal support laws vary by jurisdiction.

Definition for spousal support provided by legaldictionary.net.