In simple terms, maintenance refers to the financial support that one spouse pays to the other (usually monthly or periodically) after separation or during the course of divorce proceedings, to help them meet their basic needs like food, housing, clothing, and other daily expenses. Alimony, on the other hand, is usually a one-time lump sum amount paid at the time of or after divorce as a final financial settlement. So, maintenance is like monthly salary support, while alimony is a one-time payout. Both aim to help the financially weaker spouse maintain a decent standard of living even after the marriage ends.