alimony

An allowance for the support and maintenance of one's spouse, or divorced spouse, made as a substitute for marital support. 24 Am J2d Div & S § 514. A suit for support of the complaining spouse is one for alimony even though an absolute divorce is not sought in the action. 27 Am J1st H & W §§ 401-403. Although in the usual sense of the term, alimony does not include support of children, there are instances in which a statutory reference to "alimony" has been held to include the support of a child. 17A Am J Rev ed Div & S § 851. An allowance of $150 for the support of a wife and two children is alimony payable to the wife and is not to be construed as an award of $50 to her and $50 to each of the children. Miller v Miller, 74 App DC 216, 122 F2d 209. By statute and in some jurisdictions as a matter of equity, alimony is awarded the wife as a successful plaintiff in an action for the annulment of a marriage. 4 Am J2d Annul § 102. In an annulment action, the allowance is of such a sum of money in gross or in instalments as will fairly reasonably compensate a divorced wife for the loss of her support by annulment of the marriage contract. Anno: 20 ALR2d 1412. A husband may be entitled to alimony in some jurisdictions, but it is only by force of a statute which clearly provides for an allowance to the husband, that he is entitled to an award. 17 Am J Rev ed Div & S § 574. See permanent alimony; suit money; temporary alimony.