If you are going through a divorce, you may be wondering if you will have to pay or receive spousal support, also known as alimony. In Anne Arundel County, as in the rest of Maryland, spousal support is decided on a case-by-case basis.
It is important to have an experienced Anne Arundel County spousal support attorney on your side to ensure that your rights are protected.
At Divorce With a Plan, we make sure our clients understand their rights and potential outcomes from the beginning of a case. It’s our mission to help professionals and high earners navigate divorce with clarity and compassion.
What Our Clients Say
Our Anne Arundel County Spousal Support Services
In many cases, spousal support disputes can get ugly fast. If you want to level the playing field and achieve the best arrangement for you and your family, it’s important to have your own legal representation. Your Anne Arundel County spousal support attorney will:
- Help you understand your legal rights and options
- Gather evidence to support your case
- Negotiate with the other party’s attorney on your behalf
- Fight for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court, if necessary
An experienced spousal support attorney is there to help you every step of the way, from start to finish. They will do everything in their power to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
Spousal Support in Anne Arundel County
In Maryland, spousal support is defined as payments made from one spouse to the other for support and maintenance. These payments can be made in a lump sum or on a regular basis, such as monthly.
There is no hard and fast rule as to how much spousal support will be awarded. The amount of spousal support will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Here are some of the factors that the court will consider when determining the amount of spousal support:
- The length of the marriage
- The financial needs of both spouses
- The standard of living that was established during the marriage
- The earning capacity of both spouses
- The age and health of both spouses
- The contributions that each spouse made to the marriage (such as being a stay-at-home parent)
Finally, it’s important to note that spousal support can be modified or terminated under certain circumstances. For example, if the recipient remarries, then the payments will usually stop.
Types of Spousal Support in Anne Arundel County
There are three main types of spousal support in Anne Arundel County:
Temporary Spousal Support
is designed to provide financial support to a spouse during the divorce process. Once the divorce is finalized, the payments will stop. Typically, temporary spousal support will be awarded if one spouse earns significantly more money than the other.
Rehabilitative Spousal Support
is designed to help a spouse become self-sufficient after a divorce. Typically, this type of spousal support will be awarded to a spouse who is unable to support themselves financially after the divorce. For example, if a stay-at-home parent gets divorced and has no job or income, they may be awarded rehabilitative spousal support. The goal is to help the spouse become self-sufficient so that they can eventually support themselves.
Indefinite Spousal Support
is paid on an ongoing basis with no end date. Typically, this type of spousal support will be awarded in long-term marriages where one spouse is unable to support themselves financially after a divorce. For example, if one spouse is elderly or has a disability, they may be awarded indefinite spousal support. This way, they will have the financial support they need for the rest of their life.
How Divorce With a Plan Can Help
At Divorce With a Plan, we understand how difficult it can be to get the spousal support that you deserve. We are a family law firm with a plan and have helped countless clients navigate the legal process and get the spousal support they need.
We will start by conducting a thorough review of your case. This will allow us to determine whether or not you are eligible for spousal support. If you are, we will then work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf.
We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and do whatever it takes to help you get the best possible outcome in your case. While some lawyers choose to settle so as to end the case, we take a different approach. We create foolproof legal strategies that are guaranteed to work for you both now and in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is spousal support (alimony) determined in Maryland?
Spousal support is determined on a case-by-case basis. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, the financial needs and resources of each spouse, their earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage.
Will I automatically receive spousal support because I earned less during the marriage?
Not necessarily. The court looks at the whole picture, including potential earning ability, contributions to the household (like child-rearing or supporting a spouse’s career), and each spouse’s financial future.
Can spousal support be modified after the divorce is final?
Yes. If there has been a significant change in circumstances—such as loss of income, retirement, or the recipient’s remarriage—you may petition the court to modify or terminate spousal support.
How long will I have to pay or receive spousal support?
The duration of spousal support payments depends on the type of spousal support awarded. Temporary and rehabilitative spousal support have a set duration, and could last anywhere from several months to several years. Indefinite spousal support continues until one party dies or the court orders it to end due to a significant change in circumstances.
What if my ex is intentionally not working to collect more support?
If a spouse is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income—meaning it will calculate support based on what they could earn, not what they’re currently earning.
Contact Divorce With a Plan Today to Get Started on Your Case
Divorce can be a complex and emotional process, made all the more difficult when spousal support is involved. However, you don’t have to go through it alone. The knowledgeable and experienced team at Divorce With a Plan is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help.
Book Your Consultation Now: (240) 269-3592
