Alimony is a legal obligation for one spouse to provide financial support to the other after a divorce or separation. The purpose of alimony is to help the lower-earning or non-working spouse maintain a similar standard of living to what they had during the marriage. The amount and duration of alimony can vary based on factors like the length of the marriage, the recipient's needs, and the payer's ability to pay. Courts typically determine alimony based on state laws and individual circumstances. There are different types of alimony, including temporary, rehabilitative, and permanent, each serving different needs and situations.