Understanding Spousal Support in Maryland

Financial stability is important to moving through divorce.  Whether you would pay or receive alimony, it is an important factor in many divorces.

Alimony, or spousal support, is intended to provide level ground to a spouse who may not yet be able to economically sustain their household in the wake of a divorce.  Alimony is payment made from one spouse to the other to provide a fair opportunity for financial rehabilitation.

Here are the three types of alimony available in Maryland:

  • Alimony pendente lite: After a couple splits up, and before they divorce, there is often a major shift in family finances.  The household income that once supported the family must now support two residences.  Alimony pendent lite is a type of financial support awarded to either spouse who may not have the immediate means to support their household as the case progresses through separation and divorce.  This type of alimony maintains the stability of both parties while the case proceeds through divorce, but it does not guarantee that alimony will be awarded when the divorce is final.
  • Rehabilitative alimony: The most common type of alimony is rehabilitative. It is intended to give the receiving spouse the time to become economically competitive, gain or refresh skills, and obtain employment sufficient to sustain their individual household.
  • Indefinite alimony: Alimony provided for life is no longer common.  It is usually only awarded when one spouse is unable or unlikely to become self-supporting.  This may occur due to disease, disability, or age.

An award of alimony is based on a number of factors that include the length of your marriage, age and capability to earn a living, the lifestyle you have enjoyed as a couple, and the contributions by each partner during the marriage, among other factors.

When you are concerned about paying or receiving alimony, there is no substitute for experienced divorce counsel.  Instead of talking to friends, or guessing what you may be entitled to or required to pay, get a referral to an attorney who is focused on family law.  An attorney can talk through your finances with you, and give you a good idea of what type of alimony might or might not be recommended by the court.

Financial security plays an important role in reestablishing your life, and your household, after divorce.  When you have concerns, get experienced legal counsel.

Highly qualified Baltimore divorce attorney helps you with alimony and child support

Serving clients throughout Baltimore County and Baltimore City, divorce attorney Allyson B. Goldscher has been named a Super Lawyer Rising Star for six consecutive years.  If you are considering divorce, or already underway, the Law Offices of Allyson B. Goldscher, LLC deliver dedicated legal service and committed client care. Contact us today.

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