Baltimore Divorce Lawyer
Alimony and Spousal Support
When your world has been upended by divorce, money may initially be an afterthought. Feelings of betrayal, anger, sadness and despair can be overwhelming and take time to dissipate. Once the emotional dust settles it is natural to turn one’s attention to the question of what comes next. For many spouses, moving on would be downright impossible without financial help.
If you believe you could be entitled to alimony but are unsure of how best to proceed, contact Baltimore divorce lawyer, Allyson B. Goldscher. As founding member at the Law Offices of Allyson B. Goldscher, LLC, Ms. Goldscher understands that a Maryland divorce is far from straightforward. By keeping her focus firmly on family law, Ms. Goldscher has the knowledge and skills you need to guide you through the divorce process.
Short-Term, Long-Term Alimony Are Available
As an initial matter, Ms. Goldscher will determine which form of alimony is at issue in your case. In Maryland, alimony can be awarded on a temporary basis as a divorce makes its way through the courts. Known as alimony pendente lite, this award is by no means an indicator that alimony will be continued once a divorce decree is final. Instead, alimony pendente lite should be viewed as a means for maintaining the status quo for both spouses while the terms of their divorce are decided.
Alimony which is awarded after a divorce decree issues – but still on a short-term basis – is rehabilitative in nature. Rehabilitative alimony rarely lasts longer than a few years and is designed to make it economically feasible for a dependent spouse, such as a stay-at-home parent or homemaker, to take steps towards financial independence. This can include a return to school or time to master a specific job skill.
For some spouses, a self-supporting lifestyle will never be achievable. When a spouse is physically or mentally disabled or otherwise unable to return to the workforce, alimony is available but awarded only rarely. Indefinite alimony is permanent and paid until a dependent spouse dies.
Allegations of Wrongdoing Can Affect Alimony Awards
When determining the type and amount of alimony to be awarded, a judge must consider a variety of factors, including the individual contributions – financial and otherwise – of both spouses to the marriage, the length of the marriage, the couple’s standard of living, their ages and mental conditions. In a “fault” divorce, a judge may consider allegations that one party is responsible for the demise of their marriage. Moreover, when a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is in place, any provisions relating to alimony must be adhered to unless it can be shown that the agreement is invalid.
Baltimore Child Custody Lawyer, Allyson B. Goldscher, Helps Maryland Families with Alimony and Spousal Support
When a divorce becomes unavoidable, it is imperative to levy a claim for alimony as early in the process as possible. From her offices in Stevenson, Maryland, Baltimore divorce lawyer, Allyson B. Goldscher, represents divorcing clients throughout Baltimore County and Baltimore City. If you or a loved one is in need of legal representation, call 1-410-602-9522 or contact Ms. Goldscher online.
