7.4.1 General Principles

Domestic violence survivors often face financial challenges when separating from abusive partners that make spousal support especially important. Years of abuse cause many victims to have serious health problems that adversely impact their ability to support themselves. The following sections discuss special issues that arise when a domestic violence survivor claims spousal support.1

• 1For discussion of the general principles surrounding interim and final spousal support, see Section 7 of the chapter on family law.