Spousal Support in Missouri
State-specific overview · Family Law
Missouri courts consider 12 statutory factors and may award alimony as periodic, lump-sum, or rehabilitative support.
How Missouri treats Spousal Support
Missouri law lists specific factors for alimony determination, including the standard of living, earning capacity, and financial resources of each spouse. Courts may award temporary alimony during divorce proceedings or permanent alimony after divorce, though permanent alimony is less common in shorter marriages. Alimony terminates upon the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation with a romantic partner, or upon either party's death.
The general definition of Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another, typically during or after divorce proceedings.
Spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony, is money one spouse pays to the other to help with living expenses during or after a divorce. It recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage or may have lower earning potential. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and their age and health when determining if support is appropriate and how much to award. Spousal support can be temporary (lasting only during the divorce process) or permanent (continuing indefinitely or for a set period).
Read the full Spousal Support 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.