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alimony

noun

/ˈalɪməni/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of alimony

A court-ordered payment made from one spouse to the other as a result of a divorce or legal separation.
"The court ordered Mark to pay a substantial amount of alimony to his ex-wife."

Detailed meaning of alimony

The purpose of alimony is to provide financial support to a spouse who may have a lower income or limited earning potential after the divorce. The amount and duration of alimony payments are determined by a variety of factors, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the earning capacity of each spouse. Alimony can be temporary or permanent, and can be paid in a lump sum or in regular payments. The payment obligation can be modified or terminated under certain circumstances, such as the remarriage of the receiving spouse or a significant change in the financial circumstances of either party. Alimony is not always granted in every divorce, and it is based on the need of one party and the ability of the other party to pay.

Example sentences containing alimony

1. John was relieved when his alimony payments finally ended after a long divorce battle.
2. Sarah depended on the monthly alimony checks to support her and their children.
3. Amy used her alimony to go back to school and pursue her dreams.
4. Dave felt financially strained due to his alimony obligations.
5. After the divorce, Lisa struggled to make ends meet without alimony.
6. Alimony can be a contentious issue during divorce proceedings.

History and etymology of alimony

The noun 'alimony' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin term 'alimonia,' which originally referred to the nourishment or sustenance provided to a person. Over time, the term evolved in meaning and came to represent financial support provided to a spouse, particularly in the context of a divorce or legal separation. The concept of 'alimony' involves one spouse making regular payments to the other to help them maintain their financial well-being after the end of the marriage. Thus, the etymology of 'alimony' reflects its historical association with the provision of sustenance and support to a former spouse, as it is understood in contemporary legal contexts.

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Further usage examples of alimony

1. Tom's lawyer helped him negotiate a fair alimony settlement.
2. Tina was surprised when her ex-husband requested an increase in alimony payments.
3. Julia used her alimony to buy a new home for herself and her kids.
4. The judge reduced Peter's alimony payments due to his financial hardship.
5. Alimony laws vary from state to state in the United States.
6. Emily received alimony even though she had a well-paying job.
7. Mike resented paying alimony to his former spouse.
8. Maria's lawyer argued for higher alimony payments based on her needs.
9. Jessica's ex-husband stopped paying alimony without any warning.
10. Alimony can be tax-deductible for the payer in some cases.
11. The court ordered temporary alimony while the divorce proceedings continued.
12. Steve was surprised when his ex-wife waived her right to alimony.
13. Lisa's ex-husband was required to provide health insurance as part of the alimony agreement.
14. Negotiating a fair alimony settlement was the most challenging part of their divorce.