How do you get alimony?

The present day term for alimony is spousal support. This can be awarded to either spouse in a divorce proceeding depending on need, length of the marriage, the role of the parties in the marriage and ability to pay. If both parties are self sufficient alimony is not awarded. It may be awarded temporarily while one gets the necessary training or education to become self-sufficient.

The original awards for alimony were granted under early English Common Law when women were not allowed to work and were kept in a state of dependency by their husband's and the law. The courts recognized that they had to allow women to separate from their husbands in serious cases of abuse or abandonment. Although divorce was rarely allowed, alimony was awarded because the wife had no way to support herself and her children. Men were forced to support the wives they had abused or abandoned. A married women (most women) had no way to earn a living and all her property was under the control of her husband. She owned nothing and had no legal existence outside the marriage.

As time progressed, alimony was a means to equalize financial resources between the parties since traditionally a woman supported her husband's education and career and could in no way match the earning power he developed with her help and support.

Alimony is not something you can simply apply for. In fact, most marriages that end in divorce do not involve alimony at all. You need to consult with an attorney who can review your situation and explain your options under your state laws. The decision will eventually be up to a judge.