A "dependent spouse" refers to a husband or wife who relies on their partner for financial support and cannot support themselves independently. Full definition
The purpose of maintenance is to provide financial assistance to the financially dependent spouse in a divorce. (colesorrentino.com)
If one spouse has more earning potential than the other, the economically dependent spouse may fight the divorce in order to keep his or her hooks in the other's income. (divorcesource.com)
Some pay less, so may be inadequate for families with dependent spouses and children. (moneysense.ca)