Maryland Alimony & Spousal Support Attorneys

Trusted Family Lawyers Serving Glen Burnie & Columbia

At Ward & Co Law, our compassionate family lawyers have a successful track record representing Maryland families in Glen Burnie, Columbia, and the surrounding areas. Our firm understands firsthand how sensitive and emotionally taxing family law disputes can be, which is why our experienced advocates are here to guide you and your loved ones with wisdom, clarity, and care.

When it comes to family law, divorce is far from the only source of stress for Maryland couples. In addition to critical divorce-related decisions, such as court orders pertaining to child custody and child support, spousal support (alimony) can also be a major point of worry for divorcing spouses—especially when their future and financial security hangs in the balance. Fortunately, our seasoned alimony attorneys can fight to obtain the favorable outcome you deserve.

Divorce can be tricky and confusing to navigate alone. Call (410) 775-5955 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled family lawyer in Maryland.

Maryland Spousal Support & Alimony Laws

In Maryland, spousal support (alimony) refers to financial support provided by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. It’s worth noting that there is no legal difference between the terms “spousal support” and “alimony” in Maryland, as the state recognizes both as referring to the same legal concept. As such, the terms are often used interchangeably in family courts.

There are various types of spousal support available in Maryland, including:

Temporary Alimony

Temporary alimony, also known as pendente lite alimony, is awarded during the divorce proceedings to provide financial support to the lower-earning spouse. It helps maintain the recipient spouse's standard of living until a final spousal support order is determined.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony is designed to support a spouse while they acquire the skills or education needed to become self-sufficient. It’s often awarded for a specific period, allowing the recipient to pursue training or education to secure better employment opportunities.

Indefinite Alimony

Indefinite alimony, also known as permanent alimony, may be awarded when a spouse is unlikely to become self-supporting due to age, disability, or other factors. This type of alimony continues until a court order modifies or terminates it.

How Is Spousal Support Calculated in Maryland?

The type, amount, and duration of spousal support in Maryland can vary widely from case to case. Courts can take numerous factors into consideration when determining spousal support payments, such as:

• The duration of the marriage: The length of the marriage is an essential factor in calculating spousal support. Longer marriages may warrant higher support payments.
• Income and financial resources: The income and financial resources of each spouse, including their earning capacities, employment history, and potential for future earnings, are considered when determining spousal support amounts.
• Standard of living: The lifestyle enjoyed by the couple during the marriage is examined to maintain a reasonable level of support for the recipient spouse.
• Contributions to the marriage: Non-monetary contributions, such as homemaking, child-rearing, and supporting the other spouse's education or career, are taken into account when determining spousal support.
• Age and health: The age and physical or mental health of each spouse are evaluated, as health conditions may impact employability and financial independence.
• Custodial responsibilities: If one spouse has primary custody of the children, the court may consider the financial implications and adjust spousal support accordingly.
• Marital agreements between parties: The court may also consider any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements regarding spousal support when making its determination.

Remember, consulting with an experienced spousal support attorney is essential for individuals seeking or contesting spousal support to ensure that their interests are represented appropriately during the divorce proceedings.

Eligibility for Spousal Support in Maryland

Spousal support/alimony is never guaranteed in a Maryland divorce, as not every spouse is eligible to receive court-ordered spousal support payments. Spousal support eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, and while exact considerations will vary from couple to couple, family courts generally rely on the following factors to assess the need for spousal support:

• The length of the marriage
• Income disparity between the spouses
• Each spouse’s financial contributions to the marriage
• The age, health, and earning capacity of both spouses
• The recipient’s ability to become financially independent through education or employment

Remember, the court has the right to modify or terminate spousal support orders at their discretion when there is a significant change in circumstances. The duration of Maryland spousal support payments generally depends on the length of the marriage. In short-term marriages, support may be awarded for a limited duration, whereas long-term marriages may result in more extended support periods.

Compassionate Divorce Attorneys in Glen Burnie

Our trusted advocates at Ward & Co Law are proud to provide high-end representation that Maryland families and couples can trust. Whatever your personal goals, you can rest assured that our firm will take adequate time to assess the details of your case while working to deliver effective legal solutions tailored to your unique needs. From fathers’ rights to adoption to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes like divorce mediation, look no further than our compassionate family lawyers for the superior advocacy you deserve in Glen Burnie, Columbia, or the surrounding areas.

Securing skilled representation is a top priority in a Maryland divorce. Contact us online to consult with a knowledgeable divorce attorney in Glen Burnie.