The laws regarding alimony (also known as spousal support or maintenance) vary from one country to another and can even differ within different states or provinces within a country. Generally, alimony is not automatically granted after the breakup of a live-in relationship or cohabitation, as it is typically associated with legal marriage.
Alimony is a financial support payment made by one spouse to the other after a divorce or legal separation. It is intended to provide financial assistance to the lower-earning or economically dependent spouse so that they can maintain a similar standard of living to what they had during the marriage. The purpose of alimony is to ensure that neither spouse faces financial hardship due to the end of the marriage.
However, in some jurisdictions, there might be provisions for financial support in certain circumstances even for couples who were not legally married but lived together in a long-term relationship akin to marriage. These provisions are often referred to as "palimony," but they are much less common than alimony and usually require specific legal agreements or cohabitation contracts to be in place.
It is essential to consult with a legal professional in your specific jurisdiction to understand the laws related to alimony or palimony accurately. Laws can change over time, and the application of these laws can vary based on individual circumstances, so seeking legal advice is crucial for accurate information pertaining to your situation.