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30-Minute Complimentary Consultation (240) 399-7900
30-Minute Complimentary Consultation (240) 399-7900
30-Minute Complimentary Consultation (240) 399-7900
When two spouses live together, they each contribute to the needs of the household, financially and otherwise. If they decide to live separately, such as during or after a divorce, one spouse may need financial support from the other, otherwise known as alimony.
If you believe that you may need alimony, or may be asked to pay it, you should speak with a Maryland alimony lawyer to understand your rights under the law. Contact me to schedule a consultation.
Alimony is a periodic payment by one spouse for the support of the other because of differences in their incomes and ability to support themselves.
There are two types of alimony that can be awarded after a divorce: rehabilitative and indefinite. Rehabilitative alimony is more common. It is awarded for a fixed period and is intended to give one party time to become self-supporting. Indefinite alimony, as the name suggests, is awarded without a fixed end date; it is usually awarded when circumstances such as age or health issues make it more challenging for one party to become financially independent. Alimony pendente lite is awarded for the support of one spouse while a divorce is pending.
Alimony is one of the more complex issues in divorce because:
Some of the factors courts consider in deciding whether to award alimony in Maryland, as well as the amount and duration, include the length of the marriage, the financial needs and resources of each party, the age and health of each party, and the circumstances leading to the divorce, among others.
If there is a court order for alimony, and the party ordered to pay fails to abide by it, the recipient spouse can file a contempt action asking for the court’s help to enforce the order. The court can take other measures to enforce payment of alimony, such as entry of a judgment against the non-paying party, seizure of their property, income withholding, or even criminal prosecution.
Alimony may be ordered for years, and during that time, the ex-spouses’ circumstances may change. Unless the parties’ initial agreement about alimony made payments non-modifiable, Maryland courts will modify alimony awards if there has been a significant change of circumstances, such as an involuntary loss of income.
Depending on the circumstances, courts may increase or decrease alimony payments, or extend or shorten the duration of payments. The parties can also ask the court to approve their agreement to modify alimony, even if they previously agreed alimony would be non-modifiable.
I am an alimony lawyer and life changes attorney; part of my work helping clients through life transitions like divorce is ensuring that they have the financial resources they need to move forward, whether they expect to pay alimony or receive it.
Together, my client and I work as a team to:
Since 2002, I have helped clients navigate the complications of alimony and the security of their financial futures. I am often able to help my clients reach agreement through negotiation, mediation, or other means. However, I am also an experienced litigator and I am capable of advocating for your alimony needs in court.
To learn more about alimony in Maryland and how to protect yourself financially during and after divorce, check out my blog or contact me to schedule a consultation.
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