Alimony in Missouri
State-specific overview · Family Law
Missouri courts award alimony (called "spousal support") based on statutory factors without a fixed formula, considering need and ability to pay.
How Missouri treats Alimony
Missouri law requires judges to consider factors including the financial resources of both parties, the earning capacity and employability of the receiving spouse, the age and health of both spouses, and the length of the marriage. The court has discretion to award temporary or permanent support based on whether the receiving spouse lacks sufficient property or income to be self-supporting. There is no statutory formula or cap, and the court weighs all relevant circumstances. Alimony may be modified or terminated if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances.
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 Missouri.