Divorce brings many financial changes, and for many people in Maryland, one of the biggest questions is whether alimony will be part of the settlement. Whether you expect to receive or pay spousal support, working with an experienced attorney can make a meaningful difference in how your financial future takes shape, especially regarding alimony.
Maryland family law allows for different types of alimony and understanding how those may apply to your situation can protect your rights and long-term security.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony, also called spousal support, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. It’s designed to reduce unfair economic impacts that can arise when one spouse was financially dependent on the other during the marriage.
In Maryland, courts may award three types of alimony:
- Pendente lite alimony: Temporary support while the divorce is ongoing
- Rehabilitative alimony: Support for a limited time to help the recipient become self-supporting
- Indefinite alimony: Ongoing support awarded in cases of severe financial disparity or disability
Maryland statutes do not guarantee alimony in every divorce. Instead, the court considers a variety of factors under Maryland Code, Family Law § 11-106 when deciding whether to award alimony and what type.
Why Having an Alimony Lawyer Matters
An experienced attorney helps you understand what to expect and advocates for a fair arrangement that reflects your needs and contributions to the marriage. Here’s how a qualified attorney can protect your interests for alimony:
1. Evaluating Your Financial Situation
Your attorney will gather financial documents, review income, assets, and debts, and analyze your lifestyle during the marriage. Together, these can provide a practical example of a balanced spousal support arrangement.
This financial foundation is essential, no matter if you’re seeking alimony or defending against an unreasonable request.
2. Building a Strong Case for Fair Support
A skilled attorney will present evidence in support of your position, including:
- Length of the marriage
- Contributions to the household or career sacrifices made
- Age and health of each spouse
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Employment prospects
For example, if one spouse left a career to raise children, that fact could weigh in favor of awarding alimony. The Maryland Judiciary’s Family Law Self-Help Center offers additional resources on these factors, but an attorney can apply them directly to your case.
3. Negotiating Alimony in Settlement Agreements
Many Maryland divorces are resolved through settlement agreements rather than trials. Your attorney can work with the other party to negotiate an alimony support arrangement that avoids lengthy litigation and protects your financial future.
These agreements can also include provisions about:
- How long alimony payments will last
- Conditions for modifying or ending support
- Payment methods and enforcement
By securing clear and enforceable terms, your attorney helps prevent future conflict.
4. Filing and Responding to Alimony Modifications
Alimony may need to be modified if financial circumstances change after a divorce. For example, if the paying spouse loses a job or the recipient remarries, either party may petition the court for a modification.
An experienced attorney can handle the legal filings and help make the strongest case for or against a change in support. The Maryland Courts offer information on modification laws, but navigating court procedures is much easier with legal guidance.
5. Securing Compliance and Enforcement
Unfortunately, not every spouse follows through with court-ordered alimony. An attorney can help you enforce support orders through the court system. In Maryland, this may involve wage garnishment or even contempt proceedings in serious cases. Alternately, if you are being unfairly pursued for alimony you cannot afford, your attorney can help you defend your position.
How Maryland Courts View Alimony
Maryland law encourages both spouses to become self-supporting over time. Courts generally prefer rehabilitative alimony, but indefinite alimony may be awarded when one spouse is unlikely to achieve reasonable self-support, especially in longer marriages or when there is a large income gap.
The court will not consider adultery or fault when awarding alimony unless it has a direct impact on the couple’s finances. For more guidance, refer to the Maryland Courts Divorce and Separation page.
Protecting Your Long-Term Financial Health
A divorce can affect retirement planning, credit scores, tax filings, and living expenses. Alimony decisions often have long-lasting consequences, especially if one spouse has spent years out of the workforce or relied heavily on the other’s income.
If you’re in this situation, don’t assume you can figure it out alone or rely on online calculators. Maryland’s alimony laws are nuanced, and every situation is different. Working with an attorney gives you the tools to make informed decisions and helps avoid costly mistakes.
Contact Milstein Siegel for Alimony Representation in Maryland
If you’re considering or experiencing a divorce and have questions about alimony, the team at Milstein Siegel is ready to help. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling Maryland family law matters, including alimony negotiations and disputes. We understand how financial uncertainty can affect your future and are committed to advocating for solutions that meet your needs.
We offer flexible consultation options to accommodate most work schedules when needed. Contact us today online or call (443) – 230-4674 to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us help you protect your financial well-being as you move forward.