When couples think about marriage, they’re usually dreaming about shared homes and adventure, not spreadsheets and legal terms. But understanding spousal support (sometimes called alimony or spousal maintenance) is an important part of building a solid foundation.
Simply put, spousal support is a financial arrangement designed to help one partner maintain stability after a separation or divorce. Knowing how it works, and what waiving spousal support means, can save both partners confusion and stress down the line. That’s exactly where First steps in: making big legal topics simple and friendly.
What Is Spousal Support? Spousal support is money one partner may pay to the other after a marriage ends. It’s meant to balance any financial gap when one spouse earned less or gave up income-generating opportunities to support the relationship, such as to care for kids or follow the other partner’s career. The goal is fairness, not punishment or reward.
Courts consider factors like income, how long the couple was married, and the lifestyle enjoyed by the couple during the marriage when deciding if support applies. Not every couple will need or choose it, but every couple should understand it.
Spousal support only goes one way: from the higher-earning partner at the time of separation or divorce to the lower-earning partner. Spousal support is distinct from any allocation of community property that might occur upon divorce.
What Does ‘Waiving Spousal Support’ Mean? Now, here’s where things get practical. When couples sign a prenup, they can agree to waive spousal support. This means both partners give up the right to request financial support from the other if the marriage ends.
Choosing to waive spousal support doesn’t mean you expect the worst; it means both partners agree to define their financial independence in advance. However, this clause must be clear, fair, and legally sound; otherwise, a court could strike it down later.
Couples can also choose to limit their rights to spousal support by mutually agreeing on the terms of a future spousal support arrangement. On First ’s platform, couples can choose the duration for which they want spousal support to continue following the marriage, or choose to cap the monthly available spousal support at an agreed-upon amount.
That’s why working through First ensures your agreement is handled properly. Our platform uses lawyer‑reviewed templates designed to meet your state’s requirements, with the goal that everything you agree to when writing your prenup will later be enforced if the need arises.
How First Keeps It Simple At First , we make conversations about money and marriage a breeze. Instead of stressing over legal jargon or costly attorney hours, couples can:
Whether you want to include, limit, or waive spousal support in your prenup, First gives you the tools to make that decision together comfortably and clearly.
Empower Your Partnership with Clarity Understanding spousal support helps couples protect each other’s interests while keeping love—and fairness—at the center. Whether you’re considering it or waiving it, the right guidance makes all the difference.
Take control of your future with confidence. Visit First today to create your custom prenup with ease and peace of mind.
