Spousal support or Alimony, is likely an issue whenever there is a significant difference in personal income between the two spouses. Spousal support designed to provide the lower-income spouse with money for living expenses regardless of gender.
The spouse that receives support will pay federal and state income taxes on it, and the spouse making support payments will be entitled to a tax deduction.
The existence, amount and duration of monthly support payments will be defined either by the court in a contested setting or by the parties in the form of a settlement agreement.
Courts make determinations regarding spousal support after considering many factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, as well as the age, health, earning capacity and job histories of both individuals.