Alimony or Spousal Support Attorneys in Baltimore County, MD

Spousal Support

Alimony is a common feature of divorce settlements, intended to provide an adequate standard of living for one spouse who was financially dependent on the other during the course of a marriage. If you think that you may be eligible for alimony payments, or you want to contest your spouse’s request for alimony, you will want to contact an experienced attorney like Kent L. Greenberg to represent you in your divorce. Because alimony can be a complex and hotly contested area of divorce proceedings, it is best to seek the experience and objectivity of a lawyer who can advocate for you in and out of the courtroom.

Types of Alimony

Generally, alimony is intended to provide support for a spouse while he or she seeks job training or schooling to become self-supporting over a predetermined period of time. There are, however, circumstances in which alimony may be rewarded for an indefinite period. Below, you’ll get a closer look at the different types of alimony possible in a divorce and the reasons these may be rewarded.

• Alimony pendente lite – This type of alimony is requested at the time you file for divorce, and it is only intended to maintain the status quo during the divorce process. That means that one spouse will make payments to the other as the divorce is finalized, but there is no guarantee of post-divorce alimony.
• Rehabilitative alimony – Most often, spouses will be awarded rehabilitative alimony, which has a set period determined by the length of school or job training programs. The average length of rehabilitative alimony arrangements is between 3 and 10 years.
• Indefinite alimony – When a spouse has an illness or disability that will limit reasonable progress toward self-support, indefinite alimony may be awarded. This type of alimony is also given when an ex-spouse’s standard of living is unconscionably disparate from yours. Because the state of Maryland does not have a set standard in place for defining “unconscionably disparate” and alimony is awarded on a case by case basis with this parameter, this is an area where a lawyer may be particularly helpful in the decision making process.

How Alimony Is Determined

Much like child support, there are many factors considered when it comes to alimony agreements. In the state of Maryland, judges must consider all factors necessary for a fair and equitable award, including the ability of the spouse in need to become self-supporting, the couple’s standard of living during marriage, the length of the marriage, the health and age of each spouse, and the financial status of the spouse who would pay alimony.

If you are filing for divorce in Baltimore County or the greater Baltimore County area, call the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg at (410) 363-1020 to schedule a free consultation today.

How Experienced Alimony Attorneys Can Help

An alimony lawyer is vital during your divorce in Owings Mills, MD. They can help gather essential financial documents, explain how alimony is calculated under state law, and build a strong case tailored to your situation. That’s where the trusted team at the Law of Kent L. Greenberg comes in. Whether you seek support or are being asked to pay, a skilled attorney advocates for a fair outcome. Through strategic negotiation or effective representation in court, we work tirelessly to protect your financial future throughout the family law process.

What Disqualifies You from Alimony in Maryland?

In Maryland, there is no automatic factor that completely disqualifies a person from receiving alimony. However, the court carefully considers the circumstances that led to the divorce. Actions like adultery can influence a judge’s decision, but do not create an absolute bar to receiving support. The court’s primary focus remains on one spouse’s financial requirements and the other spouse’s ability to pay, ensuring a fair and equitable award based on the complete picture of the marriage and its dissolution.

How Is the Duration of Alimony Determined?

The court decides how long alimony payments will last. This decision depends on several crucial factors related to each spouse. Judges look at the specific details of a marriage and each person’s situation to set fair terms, including:

• Marriage Length: The time a couple was married heavily influences how long alimony might be paid. Longer marriages often result in more extended support periods.
• Spousal Age & Health: The age and health of both spouses are considered. If one spouse is older than the other or has persistent health issues, they might need support for a longer time.
• Becoming Self-Supporting:The court assesses how much time a dependent spouse reasonably needs to find work or improve their income. This often leads to a specific end date for payments.
• Rehabilitative Alimony: This type of alimony helps a spouse get education or job training, become financially independent, and is granted for a set period.
• Indefinite Alimony:In rare cases, alimony payments can be ongoing. This usually happens when one spouse cannot become self-supporting due to age, disability, or a significant difference in living standards.

When Does Alimony Terminate?

An alimony obligation typically ends on a specific date set by the court, upon the death of either party, or when the receiving spouse remarries. Additionally, payments may be terminated if the recipient cohabits with a new partner in a marriage-like relationship. An experienced alimony lawyer can help by filing a motion to modify or terminate the support order if there is a significant change in circumstances, protecting your financial interests according to the terms of your agreement.