After a divorce, one spouse often needs financial support from the other on a permanent or temporary basis. This type of payment is called spousal support, often known as alimony. The questions that arise in most alimony cases are: How much and for how long?
At the Law Offices of Paula J. Peters, P.A., our lawyers have significant experience handling alimony issues for clients from the Annapolis area and throughout Maryland. We are committed to helping our clients protect their assets and prepare for a financially secure future.
Paula Peters has successfully represented numerous clients in alimony matters, including a client who was awarded $30,000 per month in indefinite alimony. Whether you are seeking alimony or defending against a claim for alimony, we will aggressively pursue your interests.
Spousal Support (Alimony) in Maryland
There are two basic types of alimony that can become part of a divorce judgment — permanent alimony and rehabilitative alimony.
- Permanent or indefinite alimony is paid by one spouse to the other for an indefinite period and is generally intended to help the receiving spouse maintain the quality of life he or she enjoyed during marriage.
- Rehabilitative alimony is temporary and intended to help the receiving spouse make ends meet while obtaining the education and training necessary to provide for his or her own needs.
The court considers 11 factors in determining an alimony arrangement:
- The ability of the party seeking alimony to be wholly or partly self-supporting
- The time necessary for the party seeking alimony to gain sufficient education or training to enable that party to find suitable employment
- The standard of living that the parties established during their marriage
- The duration of the marriage
- The contributions, monetary and nonmonetary, of each party to the well-being of the family
- The circumstances that contributed to the estrangement of the parties
- The age of each party
- The physical and mental condition of each party
- The ability of the party from whom alimony is sought to meet that party's needs while meeting the needs of the party seeking alimony
- Any agreement between the parties
- The financial needs and resources of each party
In Maryland, the awarding of alimony is one of the most uncertain parts of the divorce process. There is a wide variation in the amount and duration of alimony awards. Paula J. Peters can help you navigate through all of the complex legal issues associated with alimony.
Experienced Maryland Spousal Support Attorney
Are you facing a spousal support issue in Maryland? We can help. Contact us today online or by telephone at 410-990-0090 to arrange a consultation with an experienced Annapolis alimony attorney.
