Spousal support, often referred to as alimony, are payments one party pays to the other after separation. If one of the spouses earns significantly more money than the other, the lower earning spouse may be awarded spousal support to allow them to maintain the standard of living they enjoyed prior to separation. These payments and length of time for payment are usually calculated based on the difference between the couple’s net income, the length of the marriage, the role each spouse played during the marriage, and any economic disadvantages. The court may also consider ages and sex of the parties, education, and skills. Spousal support can be a cause of much dispute between parties. It is highly recommended to hire a knowledgeable family law attorney to help you and your spouse settle on a fair and reasonable amount.