Is There a Difference Between Alimony and Spousal Support?

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.

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.