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When navigating the emotional and financial complexities of divorce, many individuals encounter the terms alimony and spousal support.
While the terms are frequently used interchangeably, understanding their meaning — especially in the context of Missouri family law — is crucial for anyone considering or going through a divorce.
Alimony vs. Spousal Support: What’s the Difference?
At a basic level, there is no legal difference between alimony and spousal support in Missouri. Both refer to the financial assistance that one spouse may be required to pay to the other after a divorce. However, the term “spousal support” is now more commonly used in modern family law statutes and court proceedings, while “alimony” tends to be the more traditional or colloquial term.
Missouri Law Uses the Term “Maintenance”
In Missouri, courts refer to this type of post-divorce financial assistance as maintenance. Whether you call it alimony, spousal support, or maintenance, the concept is the same: one spouse may need financial help to maintain a similar standard of living after the marriage ends.
When Is Spousal Support Awarded?
Spousal support is not automatic in Missouri. The court evaluates several factors before awarding maintenance, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and financial resources
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The age, physical condition, and emotional health of both parties
- The contributions one spouse made to the other’s education or career
At The Betz Law Firm, we help clients gather the necessary documentation and present a strong case to either secure fair support or contest unreasonable demands.
Types of Spousal Support in Missouri
- Temporary Spousal Support (Pendente Lite) – This support is awarded during divorce proceedings to help maintain the status quo until the final decree. It ensures both spouses can meet their basic needs throughout the lengthy divorce process.
- Rehabilitative Spousal Support – The most common type in Missouri, rehabilitative support provides financial assistance for a specific period, allowing the receiving spouse to gain education, training, or work experience necessary to become self-supporting.
- Permanent Spousal Support – Reserved for exceptional circumstances, permanent support continues indefinitely or until specific conditions (such as remarriage or death) are met. Missouri courts rarely award permanent spousal support, typically only in cases involving long marriages where one spouse cannot reasonably be expected to become self-supporting due to age, disability, or other factors.
Working with a St. Louis Spousal Support Attorney
Navigating spousal support issues requires understanding complex legal standards and financial analysis. An experienced St. Louis family law attorney can help you:
- Assess whether spousal support is appropriate in your case
- Calculate reasonable support amounts and duration
- Gather and present compelling financial evidence
- Negotiate favorable settlement terms
- Protect your interests, whether you’re seeking or potentially paying support
At The Betz Law Firm, we understand that spousal support decisions significantly impact your financial future. We work closely with clients throughout St. Louis City and St. Louis County to ensure their spousal support arrangements are fair, reasonable, and properly structured.
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