Alimony is known as spousal support, and it is a payment from one spouse to the other after a divorce or during the case. It is done under court orders, and the terms can differ from one state to another. The judge must decide when an award is necessary, how much will be given and for how long. In most cases, the payments are periodic, paid monthly typically. But the judge can also order lump sum payment for maintenance in property transfer or cash. Whereas you cannot undo the lump-sum awards, the court can change or end periodic support through justifiable circumstances, like if the spouse has remarried or has secured a high-paying job. Death automatically ends periodic alimony, and so is when the spouse starts living with a partner in some states. When seeking spousal support, you must make a request when filing for divorce. You can together agree on it; the judge only comes in to decide if you can't reach a separation agreement . The judge will use different facts to