Short-term Spousal Support Temporary Alimony Temporary Maintenance Temporary Spousal Support Short-term Spousal Support, also known as temporary alimony or maintenance, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other for a limited and predefined duration. It is typically awarded during the divorce process to provide financial assistance to a lower-earning spouse until a final divorce settlement is reached or until they can achieve financial self-sufficiency. The duration and amount of short-term spousal support are determined by court orders or agreements between the parties and are designed to address immediate financial needs during the divorce proceedings.