Definitions
- Referring to the financial support paid by one spouse to another after a divorce or separation. - Talking about the court-ordered payment made by one spouse to support the other spouse's living expenses. - Describing the legal obligation of a higher-earning spouse to provide financial assistance to a lower-earning spouse after a divorce.
- Referring to the financial support paid by one party to another for their living expenses. - Talking about the regular payment made by a former spouse to support the other spouse's basic needs. - Describing the legal obligation of a person to provide financial assistance to their dependent or former spouse.
List of Similarities
- 1Both refer to financial support provided by one party to another.
- 2Both can be court-ordered.
- 3Both are intended to support the basic needs of the recipient.
- 4Both are often associated with divorce or separation cases.
- 5Both involve a legal obligation to provide financial assistance.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Alimony is specifically related to spousal support after a divorce or separation, while maintenance can refer to support for dependents or former spouses.
- 2Duration: Alimony is often long-term and can continue until the recipient remarries or dies, while maintenance can be temporary or permanent depending on the circumstances.
- 3Purpose: Alimony is intended to support the recipient's lifestyle and living expenses, while maintenance is intended to cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
- 4Eligibility: Alimony is typically awarded to a lower-earning spouse, while maintenance can be awarded to any dependent or former spouse who requires financial assistance.
- 5Termination: Alimony can be terminated if the recipient remarries or cohabitates with a new partner, while maintenance may continue even if the recipient enters into a new relationship.
Remember this!
Alimony and maintenance are both forms of financial support provided by one party to another. However, alimony is specifically related to spousal support after a divorce or separation, while maintenance can refer to support for dependents or former spouses. Additionally, alimony is often long-term and intended to support the recipient's lifestyle, while maintenance is intended to cover basic needs and may be temporary or permanent depending on the circumstances.
