The modern concept of alimony is derived from English ecclesiastical courts that awarded alimony in cases of separation and divorce. "Alimony pendente lite" was given until the divorce decree, based on the husband's duty to support the wife during a marriage that still continued. "Post-divorce" or "permanent alimony" was also based on the notion that the marriage continued, as ecclesiastical courts could only award a "divorce a mensa et thoro", similar to a legal separation today. As divorce did not end the marriage, the husband's duty to support his wife remained intact.