Alimony, also called aliment (Scotland), maintenance, spousal support and spousal maintenance (Australia), is a legal obligation on a person to provide financial support to their spouse before or after marital separation or divorce. The obligation varies depending on the divorce law or family law of each country and prenuptial agreements. In most jurisdictions, it is distinct from child support, where, after divorce, one parent is required to contribute to the support of their children by paying money to the child's other parent or guardian.