Child Support / Alimony?

Sheloves is right. It's not about the "accustomed to living that way". It is usually awarded to the ex spouse who didn't work because of family and home obligations. A mother who hasn't worked in 20 years because she's been busy cleaning and cooking for her family is going to have one hell of a hard time finding a decent job to support herself. The spousal support ensures that a spouse can't just leave the ex in the dirt with no place to live and no money to his or her name.