Alimony in District of Columbia
State-specific overview · Family Law
DC courts award alimony based on statutory factors and may modify or terminate it upon substantial change in circumstances.
How District of Columbia treats Alimony
District of Columbia law treats alimony (called "maintenance") as discretionary, with judges considering factors like the length of the marriage, each party's earning capacity, standard of living, and age and health. Courts commonly award alimony for marriages lasting ten years or longer, though shorter marriages may also qualify. DC allows modification or termination if either party experiences a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, such as job loss or retirement. Alimony terminates automatically upon the recipient's remarriage or death of either party.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia.