Alimony meaning & pronounce

Curious about alimony? Let's dive in. Alimony, also termed as spousal support or maintenance, denotes the financial assistance one spouse provides to the other post-divorce or separation. This legal obligation aims to maintain a comparable standard of living enjoyed during the marriage. Join us as we explore Alimony meaning & pronounce, and legal implications.

Alimony meaning & pronounce

"Alimony" Meaning

Alimony is the money that a court orders somebody to pay regularly to their former wife, husband or partner when the marriage or civil union is ended

Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, refers to the legal obligation for one spouse to provide financial support to the other spouse following a divorce or separation.

The purpose of alimony is to ensure that both spouses can maintain a standard of living similar to that enjoyed during the marriage, especially if one spouse earns significantly more than the other or if one spouse has been financially dependent on the other.

Alimony payments may be determined by a court or agreed upon by the divorcing couple through negotiation or mediation.

The amount and duration of alimony can vary widely depending on factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, earning capacity, and any sacrifices made for the marriage or career.

"Alimony" Pronounce

There is a difference in the pronunciation of the word "alimony" in British English and American English

• British English: /ˈælɪməni/
• American English: /ˈælɪməʊni/

Example sentences using the word "alimony"

Example sentences using the word "alimony"

Example 1: After the divorce was finalized, Jane received monthly alimony payments from her ex-husband to support her while she pursued further education.

Example 2: The court ordered John to pay alimony to his former wife to help her maintain the lifestyle they had during their marriage.

Example 3: Sarah's lawyer argued for higher alimony payments, citing her ex-husband's substantial income and her limited job opportunities.

Example 4: Despite their agreement on most issues, the couple couldn't agree on the amount of alimony to be paid after their separation.

Example 5: Michael was relieved when the judge ruled that he wouldn't have to pay alimony since his ex-wife had a successful career of her own.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What factors determine the amount of alimony one has to pay or receive?

   Answer: The amount of alimony is determined by various factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, earning capacity, and any sacrifices made during the marriage or career. Factors such as the standard of living during the marriage and each spouse's ability to maintain that standard are also taken into consideration.

2. Can alimony be modified after it has been initially determined?

   Answer: Yes, alimony arrangements can be modified under certain circumstances. Changes in either spouse's financial situation, such as a significant increase or decrease in income, remarriage, or changes in the needs of either party, may warrant a modification of alimony. However, modifications must be approved by the court and usually require a showing of substantial and continuing change in circumstances.

3. Is alimony taxable income for the recipient and tax-deductible for the payer?

   Answer: It depends on the jurisdiction and the specific terms of the alimony agreement. In many cases, alimony is considered taxable income for the recipient and tax-deductible for the payer. However, recent changes in tax laws may have altered these rules, so it's essential to consult with a tax professional or legal expert for the most accurate information.

4. What happens if someone fails to make their alimony payments?

   Answer: Failure to make alimony payments as ordered by the court can have serious consequences. The recipient can seek enforcement through legal avenues, such as wage garnishment or contempt proceedings. In extreme cases, failure to pay alimony can result in fines, imprisonment, or other legal penalties. It's crucial for both parties to adhere to the terms of the alimony agreement to avoid such consequences.