Alimony or spousal support is a monthly payment made by one spouse to another in accordance with either a settlement agreement or a court decision. Spousal support is designed to limit the negative financial impact of divorce. It provides financial support for a period of time to a spouse who cannot meet his or her reasonable expenses on their own. It is important to note that spousal maintenance is not a substitute or supplement for child support payments. It is a wholly separate consideration, to be paid separately.