What is spousal maintenance or alimony?  Will I have to pay spousal maintenance?

Maintenance means an award made in a dissolution or legal separation proceeding of payments from the future income or earnings of one spouse for the support and maintenance of the other.

Maintenance is awarded if the spouse seeking maintenance shows a need for maintenance considering the standard of living established during the marriage.  Possible she needs temporary support during a period of training or education.  Or (s)he needs permanent support because of her age, the state of her health, and the length of absence from employment.  The length of the marriage is also taken into consideration.

The ability of the other spouse to provide support is the other side of the equation.