District of Columbia · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in District of Columbia

Alimony (spousal support) in District of Columbia, from the state's own law: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

In short

The court may award alimony (including for a set term or indefinitely) if it is just and proper, looking at factors like each spouse's ability to be self-supporting, time needed for training, standard of living, length of the marriage, age and health, and each spouse's finances.

Property division
Equitable distribution
Law
D.C. Code 16-913.

When District of Columbia courts can order alimony

You must ask for alimony in the divorce case.

Amount, limits and length

The court may award alimony (including for a set term or indefinitely) if it is just and proper, looking at factors like each spouse's ability to be self-supporting, time needed for training, standard of living, length of the marriage, age and health, and each spouse's finances.

Law: D.C. Code 16-913.

Good to know

If you don't ask for alimony and property division in your divorce case, you lose the chance to ask later (D.C. Superior Court).

Alimony and property in District of Columbia

Alimony is decided separately from how property and debts are divided.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
Each spouse keeps their sole and separate property (such as property from before the marriage or gifts and inheritances). Everything else gathered during the marriage is divided in a way that is equitable, just and reasonable. You must ask for property division in the divorce case or you lose the chance.

How to ask for alimony in District of Columbia

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    You ask for alimony in the divorce case itself, in your petition or in your response to your spouse's petition. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (District of Columbia courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    Can't afford it? Ask the Family Court Self-Help Center or clerk for the Application to Proceed Without Prepayment of Costs, Fees or Security (in forma pauperis).

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. The Superior Court's Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division offers family mediation for custody, support and property issues: https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/superior-court-divisions/multi-door-dispute-resolution-division/mediation.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in District of Columbia

How does alimony work in District of Columbia?

The court may award alimony (including for a set term or indefinitely) if it is just and proper, looking at factors like each spouse's ability to be self-supporting, time needed for training, standard of living, length of the marriage, age and health, and each spouse's finances. You must ask for alimony in the divorce case.

How much alimony is paid in District of Columbia, and for how long?

The court may award alimony (including for a set term or indefinitely) if it is just and proper, looking at factors like each spouse's ability to be self-supporting, time needed for training, standard of living, length of the marriage, age and health, and each spouse's finances.

Is District of Columbia a community property state?

No. District of Columbia uses equitable distribution. Each spouse keeps their sole and separate property (such as property from before the marriage or gifts and inheritances). Everything else gathered during the marriage is divided in a way that is equitable, just and reasonable. You must ask for property division in the divorce case or you lose the chance.

More about divorce in District of Columbia

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.