Temporary maintenance (alimony) refers to payments made to your spouse or partner while the two of you are getting or currently are legally separated, OR are in the process of getting a divorce or dissolving your civil union.
Generally speaking, a spouse or partner will only be ordered to a pay temporary maintenance if both parties are working towards getting a divorce or dissolving a civil union.
If ordered, the paying party must continue to make payments until the specified termination date. Failure to make payments on time may result in harsh penalties.
If you experience a significant change in financial circumstances, you may be able to change (modify) the temporary maintenance fees.