Let Someone With Experience Sort Out Alimony And Spousal Support
Alimony, also well-known as spousal support, can be a key factor in obtaining a brighter future after a divorce. However, the divorce process overall is complicated, and this component leaves many feeling confused. There are many relevant factors that contribute to if and how much spousal support you can get after a divorce. With the right help, you can feel more confident in this part of divorce and move toward your new future, feeling hopeful.
The lead attorney at Stuart Skok Law LLC in Montgomery County, Maryland with a remote office in Colorado, has 30 years of experience guiding people through the challenges of the divorce process including innovative strategies for figuring out spousal support and alimony.
What To Know About This Component Of Divorce
Spousal support and alimony are designed to help the lesser or non-earning partner maintain their standard of living after divorce. This system is designed so the alimony recipient can move forward without worrying about their financial situation.
There are a few different types of alimony payments that can be awarded including:
- Temporary alimony: Awarded to the lower earning or nonearning spouse during the divorce process so they can pay their living expenses until a divorce settlement is reached.
- Rehabilitative alimony: Awarded to the recipient spouse briefly until they can begin providing for themselves by going back to school or receiving training to improve their earning potential.
- Permanent alimony: Awarded to one spouse if they are unable to support themselves long term after the divorce; it is typically awarded in situations where one spouse has been out of the workforce for a significant amount of time.
Whether you’re seeking permanent spousal support, temporary spousal support or something else altogether, the attorney at Stuart Skok Law LLC can help you figure out how to obtain a positive outcome in the divorce process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony And Spousal Support
If you want to learn more about alimony and spousal support in Maryland, the attorney at Stuart Skok Law LLC can help. Here are a few answers to some common concerns:
How is alimony determined in Maryland?
Unlike other states, no set formula determines alimony in Maryland. Instead, there are several factors a judge may consider to determine if a spouse is awarded alimony. These factors can include the following:
- The length of the marriage
- Each party’s financial resources
- The standard of living established in the marriage
- Each party’s earning capacity
- Each party’s contributions to the marriage
- A spouse’s level of education
- The age and health of each spouse
- The effect of the marital property divide
These factors can influence both the amount and duration of alimony. The attorney at Stuart Skok Law LLC can help you present evidence to the court in a light most favorable to your position.
How can alimony be modified or terminated after a divorce?
Changing or terminating alimony is not a simple process in Maryland. You must demonstrate to the court that there is a “material and substantial” change in circumstances that warrants a change. Changes that may qualify for a modification include things like a significant change in one party’s income, the loss of employment, retirement, disability and the recipient’s spouse’s remarriage or cohabitation.
Do retirement benefits impact alimony in Maryland?
In Maryland, pensions, 401(k)s and other retirement accounts are typically considered part of the marital estate. As such, retirement accounts can be a significant factor when determining alimony. A court may need to consider how a retirement account impacts a spouse’s financial situation before awarding alimony. In addition, a paying spouse’s retirement may be enough of a “material and substantial” change to seek a modification of an existing support order.
Can a stay-at-home parent receive more alimony in Maryland?
Yes. While a stay-at-home parent may not have provided financially, the courts still recognize the value of their nonmonetary contributions to their marriage and family. For example, the labor involved in managing a household, raising children and even supporting their spouse’s career all have value. In addition, a stay-at-home spouse may be entitled to some rehabilitative alimony to support them as they seek work or education credentials to become financially self-sufficient.
Learn More About How A Divorce Lawyer Can Help
Get your questions answered today and learn about how a divorce attorney can guide you through the process. Schedule an initial consultation to find out more. Call 301-850-7716 or use the online contact form to get in touch.
