Legal Definitions - provisional alimony

Provisional alimony is a court-ordered allowance that one spouse pays to the other spouse for maintenance and support while they are separated, while they are involved in a matrimonial lawsuit, or after they are divorced. It is also known as temporary alimony.

For example, if a couple is going through a divorce and one spouse is financially dependent on the other, the court may order the financially independent spouse to pay provisional alimony to the other spouse until the divorce is finalized and a permanent alimony arrangement is made.

Provisional alimony is different from other types of alimony, such as permanent alimony, which is payable in weekly or monthly installments either indefinitely or until a time specified by court order. Provisional alimony is only temporary and is meant to provide support until a more permanent arrangement can be made.