Family law
Temporary alimony
Also called alimony pendente lite
Support one spouse may be ordered to pay the other while the divorce case is still going on, before the final judgment.[1][2]
In more detail
Florida lists temporary alimony as one of its forms of alimony,[1] and its statute on alimony pendente lite lets a party claim a reasonable sum for support and suit money during the case.[2] Temporary support often comes up in early mediation sessions, before the bigger issues are settled.
Varies by state
Temporary support rules and names differ by state. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- AlimonyMoney a court may order one spouse to pay the other during or after a divorce.
- Temporary ordersCourt orders that apply while a family case is pending, covering issues such as support, parenting time and use of property until the final judgment.
- Dissolution of marriageThe legal term in many states, including Florida and California, for divorce: a court judgment ending a marriage.
- Spousal maintenanceTexas's term for court-ordered spousal support: periodic payments from one spouse's future income to support the other after a divorce.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
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Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Temporary alimony: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/temporary-alimony/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.