Difference Between Alimony and Maintenance

Alimony vs Maintenance

There is an increase of divorce cases the world over. Mental incompatibility and temperamental issues between husband and wife lead to separation between them. Once divorced, they go for alimony and maintenance. Alimony and maintenance are same and are used in different names in different places. So we cannot say that they are different legal terms.

Alimony or maintenance is the financial support that is given to a spouse after divorce. In some countries and places, alimony is most used and in some other regions, maintenance is in vogue. In most cases the husband provides alimony or maintenance to the ex wife.

Alimony or maintenance is a financial arrangement between the divorced couples. It is an arrangement by which a partner provides regular financial support to the other. This is only available for partners who have been legally married.
The alimony and maintenance laws vary according to the land. However, there are three common types of Alimony or maintenance allowance available. They are lump sum alimony or maintenance, temporary alimony or maintenance and permanent alimony or maintenance.
The Lump sum maintenance or alimony is a one-time allowance given to the partner. The Temporary alimony or maintenance is given for a certain period till the partner recovers her financial independence. This alimony or maintenance is given for furthering training skills and education. Then the third one the permanent alimony or maintenance is the allowance given for an indefinite period.
Maintenance or alimony is generally given if a partner does not have sufficient wealth to meet the reasonable needs or if the partner is not able to support himself or herself and is restrained to be at home or if the partner has little chance of employment.
Before the court awards alimony or maintenance, it takes into account various things such as the age, duration of marriage, the partner’s resources and employment opportunities. Alimony or maintenance allowance is terminated in the death of either of the partners. If a person loses job or if there is a decrease in the income or if the partner remarries, then the maintenance or alimony allowance gets terminated.

Summary
Alimony and maintenance are same and are used in different names in different places.
In some countries and places, alimony is most used and in some other regions, maintenance is in vogue.
Alimony or maintenance is a financial arrangement between the divorced couples. It is an arrangement by which a partner provides regular financial support to the other.

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