Ellicott City Alimony Lawyer
Alimony is a hotly contested, yet crucial, aspect of many Maryland divorces. Naturally, the lower earning spouse seeks the maximum alimony award in order to re-educate him or herself, or maintain their standard of living during the divorce process and beyond. The paying spouse has their own financial difficulties to think about, and likely desires a limited alimony award. Arguments are bound to arise. Our Ellicott City alimony lawyers at Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C. are here to help resolve those conflicts, and ensure that our client’s best interests and goals are met.
Types of Alimony Awarded in Maryland
There are three types of alimony in Maryland:
- Pendente Lite—This type of alimony is awarded during the divorce process while the two spouses are still married. It is created to allow the lower earning spouse the financial tools needed to maintain their standard of living, and can be used for housing, food, paying bills, clothing, transportation, etc.
- Rehabilitative—Alimony is awarded for a specified period of time, during which the receiving spouse uses the finances to become self-sufficient. Alimony can be used for education, vocational training, or simply time needed to acquire a new job.
- Indefinite—In long term marriages in which one party worked and the other was the homemaker or childraiser, indefinite alimony may be awarded.
Helping the Lower Earning Party Seek Equitable Compensation
While alimony is not limited to women (more men are seeking alimony now than ever, according to Market Watch), women still only make 70 cents on the dollar that men make for the same work. There is no denying the inequality that women continue to face when it comes to the job market. In fact, womens’ finances decrease by 41 percent following divorce, which is twice the amount that mens’ finances dip, according to Ellevest. Alimony can help soften that blow, and set up the lower earning spouse for a more stable, successful financial future.
Representing the Prospective Paying Party
While alimony may be a financial necessity for the lower earning spouse, it can likewise be a financial necessity to limit the alimony award as much as possible for the paying party. Alimony can be a source of constant financial drain for the paying spouse, making it impossible for them to ever get ahead on their mortgage, rent, or debt. We help paying parties reduce the amount or limit the time that alimony is paid to protect the interests of our clients.
How Alimony is Awarded in Maryland
Alimony is awarded based on the paying party’s ability to pay, and the receiving party’s need. Factors that the court may use to determine alimony include the following:
- Duration of the marriage;
- Standard of living established during the marriage;
- Age and health of each party;
- Time needed for the receiving party to become financially independent;
- Ability of the receiving party to become financially independent;
- Income and assets of each party; and
- More.
Call an Ellicott City Alimony Attorney Today
Receiving a fair alimony verdict or settlement agreement is paramount to your future. To ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible, and that your best interests are accounted for in all other aspects of your divorce call our Ellicott City alimony lawyers at Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C today at 410-997-0203 to schedule a consultation.
