Alimony is payment for the maintenance and support of spouse, paid by the “supporting spouse” to the “dependent spouse.” Typically, the supporting spouse is the one who earns a higher salary than the other. It is generally paid on a continual basis—often monthly—although sometimes a court may order a spouse to make one lump sum payment or annual payments. This is different than post-separation support, which is another type of financial support that is paid throughout the process of the divorce. Alimony is paid once the divorce is finalized.  Alimony comes in the form of either a separation agreement, which is settled outside of the courtroom, or a court-ordered payment of support.