There are several ways one can receive support throughout the divorce. First, in some states you can ask for your attorney fees to be paid for by your spouse. This helps to assure both parties can have a similarly experienced and skilled attorney to represent them. Otherwise, the wealthier spouse could have an experienced attorney and the less wealthy spouse could have an inexperienced lawyer without the advantages of being part of a large firm. One can request to have a temporary child support order issued during the divorce proceedings, as well as a temporary order for alimony or maintenance if so allowed by that particular state. Before the divorce is finalized, a permanent child support order will be established and so will a permanent maintenance or alimony order, which is not necessarily effective for the rest of one's life but until the limit established by the courts. You can also request that the spouse provide medical coverage for the child or children, as well as yourself. As you can see, there are several different ways that one could receive support throughout their divorce. Just remember that the support you are entitled to will depend on the state in which you reside, and the courts will have the final say on all aspects of the support orders.