Alimony is not automatically awarded in every divorce case in Maryland. Since the state’s legal system recognizes that every divorce is unique, the decision to grant alimony is based on several factors. Given how complex alimony cases can be, having legal representation is vital. Maryland alimony attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and you have a fair chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
What is Alimony, and When Is It Awarded?
Alimony, or spousal support or maintenance, is a financial payment made from one spouse to another after a divorce. This support is often awarded when one spouse earns significantly more than the other during the marriage. It aims to help the spouse with a lower income maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce.
Alimony may be temporary or permanent, depending on various factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, contributions to the household, and any sacrifices made for the family’s benefit. In Maryland, alimony may be awarded if one party requires financial assistance and the other can pay.
Courts consider several factors when determining alimony awards in Maryland divorces. These include each party’s age and health status, financial needs and resources, living standards during marriage, and any agreements between spouses regarding alimony payments. Our family lawyers in Maryland can help you better understand the factors used to determine whether an alimony award is appropriate.
Factors that Determine Alimony Awards
Courts will consider the following when determining if alimony is necessary:
Duration of the Marriage
The duration of the marriage holds substantial weight in the alimony determination process in Maryland. Typically, lengthier marriages result in alimony awards, given that one spouse may have developed a financial dependency on the other over an extended period.
Financial Needs and Resources
The court evaluates each party’s financial requirements and resources to ascertain the necessity of alimony. If one spouse possesses a notably lower income or restricted earning capacity, and the other spouse has the financial capability to provide support, alimony may be granted.
Standard of Living During the Marriage
Maryland courts take into account the standard of living established during the marriage. If there is a significant gap in the lifestyles of the spouses after the divorce, the court may grant alimony to assist in sustaining a comparable standard of living for the spouse facing financial disadvantage.
Health Conditions and Age of the Spouses
The health conditions and age of each spouse are important considerations. If one spouse is in poor health or nearing retirement age, he/she may face challenges in finding employment or becoming financially self-sufficient. In such cases, alimony may be awarded to support the spouse’s well-being.
Contributions to the Marriage
The court assesses the contributions made by each spouse during the marriage, encompassing both financial and non-financial aspects like homemaking and child-rearing. If a spouse has sacrificed career opportunities to aid the family, he/she may be eligible for alimony.
Types of Alimony in Maryland
In Maryland, alimony can take different forms depending on the circumstances. The first type is pendente lite alimony. This is temporary support provided during the divorce proceedings to help with financial needs. This type ends once the divorce is finalized.
Rehabilitative alimony is another common form in Maryland, aimed at helping a spouse become self-sufficient by providing support while he/she pursues education or job training. This type has a specific end date based on the recipient’s plan for financial independence.
Indefinite alimony may be awarded in cases where one spouse cannot realistically achieve financial autonomy due to age or health reasons. This type continues until either party’s death or the recipient’s remarriage.
Dedicated family lawyers in Maryland can help you obtain the alimony award of your preference by presenting strong evidence on your behalf. It is important to act quickly to ensure your rights are protected.
Call Our Maryland Alimony Attorneys Today
Navigating the laws and guidelines surrounding alimony awards in a Maryland divorce case requires the expertise and guidance of experienced family lawyers in Maryland. The decisions made during this process can have long-lasting effects on your financial future, and it is important to have someone who will advocate for your best interests.
At Brodsky Renehan Pearlstein & Bouquet, our Maryland alimony attorneys understand the intricacies of Maryland family law and are dedicated to helping our clients achieve fair outcomes in their cases. Do not navigate this difficult time alone. Contact us today for a consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
