Spousal support (also known as alimony) is a court ordered payment from one spouse or domestic partner to help cover the other's monthly expenses. Once a divorce is final, you may receive (or pay) spousal or domestic partner support.This is called permanent or long-term spousal support. Alimony Attorney in Alameda County, California. Spousal support — often still referred to as alimony — is often one of the most contentious issues in a divorce. The Court has the power to award spousal support when there is a divorce or legal separation. There are two types of spousal support: temporary and permanent. Call (510) 794-2887 or fill out the short form below. We will usually respond within 1 business day but often do so the same day. Learn about the kinds of spousal support in California, how judges decide the amount and duration of alimony, and whether you can change the award later.