The obligation to support a spouse can survive the termination of the marriage. A continuing obligation to support a former spouse is called alimony or spousal maintenance. At one time, an award of alimony was a common provision in a divorce decree. The number of alimony awards has decreased as the number of two-earner families has increased.

Alimony is intended to allow the former spouse sufficient time to achieve self-support. When the evidence shows that self-support is unlikely, the court may order permanent maintenance. Such awards are usually reserved for former spouses who are unable to work outside the home.

When the former spouse is able to become self-supporting through further education or training, the court may order temporary alimony. Temporary alimony is rehabilitative in nature. It is designed to allow the former spouse to achieve independence. These awards automatically expire after a specified time.