What does the term "arrears of spousal support" refer to?

The term "arrears of spousal support" specifically refers to support payments that are overdue. This means that a party obligated to pay spousal support has failed to make the payments on time, and as a result, those payments are considered in arrears.

When spousal support is ordered by a court, the paying spouse is obliged to fulfill their financial support obligations according to the established schedule. If they miss payments or fail to make them at all, those missed amounts accumulate as arrears. This is particularly significant because it not only affects the finances of the receiving party but also can lead to legal consequences for the paying party, including potential enforcement actions or modifications to the support order.

In contrast, the other options describe scenarios unrelated to the definition of arrears. Advanced payments and overpayments imply that money was given in excess, while future support obligations pertain to amounts that may be owed in the future rather than amounts that are already overdue. Hence, understanding the precise meaning of "arrears" is crucial in the context of spousal support.