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Divorce Education  Why LegalZoom   7. Spousal Support (Alimony)
in a Divorce  Spousal support, as it is now commonly called,
used to be known as "alimony." Spousal support is not mandatory
in most states but can be ordered by a judge under certain
circumstances.   Learn about Uncontested Divorce    2. Both
spouses are employed and self-sufficient.  This does not mean
the parties cannot agree on spousal support. Spousal support has
variable timeframes. It can be (1) for an unlimited period, (2)
subject to the death or remarriage of the recipient spouse, or
(3) fixed to end on a specific date.  Child support payments do
take priority over spousal support. There is no firm dollar
figure for spousal support. The amount should be decided by both
parties. Some common ways of calculating spousal support are to
take up to 40% of the paying spouse's net income (post-child
support), less 50% of the amount of the supported spouse's net
income (if he or she is