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.
If a spouse will face hardships without financial support, spousal support should be considered. The deciding factor for spousal support is the need to maintain the spouse at his or her customary standard of living. In other words, the law recognizes a husband or wife should not be forced to live at a level below that enjoyed during the marriage.
However, other factors also need to be considered. For example, spousal support should most likely not be considered if:
The marriage was for a short duration (less than two or three years), and
Both spouses are employed and self-sufficient
This does not mean the parties cannot agree on spousal support
There is no firm dollar figure used to calculate spousal support. The amount should be decided by both parties.