The correct spelling is A-L-I-M-O-N-Y

Alimony is spelled A-L-I-M-O-N-Y. It comes from the Latin word "alimonia," meaning nourishment or sustenance. The word has one L in the middle, not two, and ends in -mony, not -money. Many people misspell it because the pronunciation can sound like "al-uh-mow-nee," which doesn't match the written form exactly.

The term refers to court-ordered payments one spouse makes to the other after separation or divorce. Different states use different names for the same concept — some call it spousal support, maintenance, or spousal maintenance — but alimony is the most common legal term across the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • Alimony is spelled A-L-I-M-O-N-Y, with one L and ending in -mony, not -money.
  • The word comes from Latin and means nourishment or sustenance, reflecting its original purpose.
  • States use different names for the same concept: spousal support, maintenance, or spousal maintenance are all legal alternatives.
  • Correct spelling matters when searching for court documents, legal forms, and state-specific information about support payments.

Why the spelling trips people up

The word alimony sounds like it should end in -money because the purpose involves money. But the -mony ending comes from the Latin root and appears in other English words like ceremony, testimony, and matrimony. The pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable (uh-LIM-uh-nee), which makes the written form feel disconnected from how it sounds.

Another common mistake is doubling the L — writing "allimony" — because people hear the sound and assume it needs two L's. The correct form has only one L between the A and the I.

How state laws name the same concept differently

While alimony is the traditional term, many states have moved toward calling it spousal support or spousal maintenance. These newer terms are more neutral and reflect modern divorce law, which treats support as temporary in many cases rather than permanent. Some states use maintenance, others use support, and a few still use alimony.

When you search for information about your state's laws, you may need to try multiple terms. A search for "alimony in California" might return fewer results than "spousal support in California" because California courts prefer the newer terminology. The concept is identical — one spouse pays the other — but the name changes by location.

Court documents in your state will use the official term that state has chosen. If you're filing paperwork or reading a court order, use the spelling and term your state's courts use, not the one you think is correct.

Related terms you might encounter

Child support is different from alimony and is spelled C-H-I-L-D S-U-P-P-O-R-T. It is money one parent pays to the other for the care of children. Alimony is only for the spouse and has no connection to children.

Palimony (spelled P-A-L-I-M-O-N-Y) is a related but separate concept. It refers to support payments between unmarried partners who lived together and separated. The word is a blend of "pal" and "alimony." Not all states recognize palimony claims, and the rules vary widely by location.

Maintenance can mean either spousal maintenance (support for a spouse) or child maintenance (support for a child). The context determines which one is meant. In some states, "maintenance" is the official legal term for what other states call alimony.

Where correct spelling matters in practice

Using the correct spelling becomes important when you search for your state's laws, read court forms, or read legal documents. A misspelling might return no results or confuse a search engine. If you're looking for your state's alimony calculator, tax rules, or modification procedures, spelling it correctly will get you to the right page faster.

Court documents use precise language. If you're filing a motion or responding to a court order, match the spelling and terminology your state uses. Your state's court website, family law statutes, and official forms will show you the exact term and spelling to use.

How to find your state's official term

The fastest way to find out what your state calls it is to visit your state court's website and search the family law section. Most state court websites have a glossary or FAQ that lists the official terms used in that state's divorce and separation cases. You can also check your state's family law statutes — usually found under the state legislature's website — which will use the official terminology throughout.

If you have a court order from your case, the document itself will show you the exact term and spelling your state uses. That is the term to use when searching for information about modifying, enforcing, or understanding your specific order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it alimony or alimoney?

It is alimony, spelled A-L-I-M-O-N-Y. The word ends in -mony, not -money, even though the payments involve money. The -mony ending comes from the Latin root and appears in other English words like ceremony and testimony.

Do all states use the word alimony?

No. Many states use spousal support, spousal maintenance, or just maintenance instead. The concept is the same — one spouse pays the other after divorce — but the official name varies by state. Check your state court's website to see which term your state uses.

Is alimony the same as child support?

No. Alimony is support for a spouse. Child support is support for children. They are separate payments with different rules, amounts, and purposes. A divorce case can include both, but they are calculated and treated differently under law.

What is palimony and how is it spelled?

Palimony (P-A-L-I-M-O-N-Y) is support between unmarried partners who lived together and separated. It is a blend of "pal" and "alimony." Not all states recognize palimony claims, and the rules differ widely. Check your state's laws to see if palimony is available where you live.

Why does my court order use a different word than alimony?

Your state may use spousal support, maintenance, or spousal maintenance instead of alimony. All these terms mean the same thing — one spouse pays the other after divorce. Use the term your state's courts use when searching for information about your specific order.