In New York State, alimony is known as spousal maintenance. This is defined by the NYS Unified Court System as “support paid by one party to the marriage for the support of the other party to the marriage pursuant to a final Judgment of Divorce,” sometimes also referred to as “post-divorce maintenance” or “spousal support.” In the event that a spouse fails to pay this court-ordered alimony in the state of New York, he or she may be subject to penalty, which can include the indefinite suspension of driving privileges or the receipt of a civil contempt sanction, or even incarceration.

If you’re going through a divorce, there is a long list of to-dos you must go over with your lawyer and eventually address with your former spouse. One is discussing spousal support.

First, the term is actually “spousal maintenance” in New York State. Furthermore, there are two types of spousal maintenance you could pay or receive.

Oftentimes in divorce cases, one former spouse is ordered to pay the other alimony. Its duration and amount varies, however, since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all arrangement.

Spousal maintenance is just one important aspect of a divorce that must be addressed. This refers to the sum of money that one former spouse may be ordered by the court to pay the other on a monthly basis following a divorce.

Although not granted in every case, it's a common issue that frequently arises.

Oftentimes during a divorce, one party makes a claim for alimony.  

Alimony, the monetary support of a spouse after separation or divorce, is ordered by the courts in certain situations after a review of many factors. Alimony is called “spousal maintenance” in New York.