In the event that a couple seeks a divorce, spousal support or alimony, may be something that one or both parties seeks in the final divorce decree. Spousal support refers to financial support offered by one party to the other, and typically is paid to a non-earning spouse following a divorce. Spousal support is also offered to a lower income earning spouse in some cases. The purpose of spousal support is to reduce the financial decrease in standard of living for one spouse upon the completion of a divorce. Alimony can be requested and paid by either the female or the male spouse. Alimony can also be temporary, permanent or restricted. For example, the payment stream could be established until the other person re-enters the workforce, until retirement or even until the spouse becomes remarried. These are terms that will be outlined in the final divorce decree. These terms can be modified in the future if necessary by one or both parties pending court approval. In some more rare divorces, alimony is paid in a single, cash settlement as opposed to an ongoing income stream.