What is the term for legally recognized support provided to a spouse after divorce for living expenses?

The term for legally recognized support provided to a spouse after divorce for living expenses is known as spousal support. This financial assistance is designed to help the spouse maintain a standard of living similar to that which they had during the marriage. It is also intended to help support that spouse in becoming self-sufficient over time.

Spousal support can take various forms, including temporary support during the divorce proceedings or long-term payments after the divorce is finalized. The exact amount and duration of spousal support are typically determined based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the financial situation of both spouses, and the needs and responsibilities of each party.

Child support, on the other hand, specifically refers to payments made for the upbringing and care of children after a divorce, which is distinct from spousal support aimed at the spouses themselves. The terms party support and asset support are not legally recognized categories in the context of divorce and spousal maintenance, making spousal support the clearly appropriate choice for this question.