Legal Definitions - palimony

Palimony is a term used to describe a court's decision to award financial support or assets to one person in a non-marital relationship after a break-up. The word "palimony" is a combination of "pal" (meaning friend) and "alimony" (which is financial support paid by one spouse to another after a divorce).

For example, if a couple has been living together for many years but never got married, and one person supported the other financially during that time, a court might award palimony to the supported person after they break up.

Palimony is only recognized in some states, and usually only when there is a valid agreement between the partners. This agreement can be written, oral, or implied, depending on the state's laws.

Overall, palimony is a way for non-married partners to receive financial support or assets after a break-up, similar to how alimony works for divorced spouses.