When a marriage ends, financial stability is often one of the greatest concerns, especially for a spouse who paused their career to support the family.
Howard County
Spousal Support Lawyer
Empowerment. Stability. A Plan for Your Financial Future.
Whether you’re seeking support or being asked to provide it, Maryland spousal support laws can be complex, and every situation is unique. Having the right legal guidance can make all the difference.
At Divorce With a Plan, we provide clear, compassionate legal counsel to help you understand your rights, protect your future, and move forward with confidence.
What Our Clients Say
Our Howard County Spousal Support Services
Spousal support, also called alimony or maintenance, is more than just a financial arrangement. It’s a way to ensure both parties can transition toward independence after divorce. Our firm offers strategic support in all phases of the alimony process, including:
- Petitioning for Spousal Support: If you’re the dependent spouse, we help you build a strong case for the financial support you need to become self-sufficient.
- Responding to Alimony Requests: If you’re being asked to pay support, we help ensure the arrangement is fair and based on the law, not just emotion or assumptions.
- Modifying an Existing Alimony Order: Life changes. If your financial situation has shifted, or your ex-spouse’s has, we can help you petition for a modification.
- Enforcing Alimony Agreements: If your former spouse isn’t meeting their support obligations, we take the necessary steps to enforce the court’s order.
Our lead advocate, Josephia Rouse, brings compassion and clarity to the process, ensuring your financial well-being is protected both now and in the future.
What is Spousal Support?
Spousal support refers to payments made by one former spouse to another to help the dependent party maintain stability after divorce. It can be awarded temporarily, for a specific period, or indefinitely, depending on your circumstances and the court’s findings.
Types of Spousal Support in Maryland
Rehabilitative Alimony
This is the most common form of alimony in Maryland. It supports a dependent spouse for a defined period while they work toward self-sufficiency, such as by gaining education, training, or employment. For example, a stay-at-home parent may receive support while re-entering the workforce.
Alimony Pendente Lite
Latin for “pending litigation,” this temporary support helps the dependent spouse manage expenses between the time a divorce is filed and finalized. It’s not automatic, it must be requested before the divorce is granted.
Indefinite Alimony
Although rare, indefinite alimony may be awarded when one spouse is unlikely to become self-supporting. This could be due to age, disability, illness, or a significant and unfair disparity in post-divorce living standards.
How Courts Determine Spousal Support in Howard County
There is no strict formula for alimony in Maryland, but courts weigh several factors to determine if support should be granted, how much, and for how long. These factors include:
- The length of the marriage
- The financial needs and resources of each spouse
- Each party’s age and physical or mental health
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The ability of the paying spouse to meet both parties’ needs
- The reason for the divorce (such as cruelty or abuse)
- Any existing agreements between the spouses
Whether you’re seeking or opposing alimony, it’s crucial to work with a lawyer who understands how to present your case clearly and persuasively in front of the court.
Why Timing Matters in Alimony Cases
One of the most important things to know about alimony in Maryland is that you must petition for it before your divorce is finalized. If you wait until after the divorce decree, the court will not consider your request, even if your need is genuine. Our firm ensures your petition is filed on time and with strong supporting evidence.
Why Our Clients Trust Divorce With a Plan
When it comes to financial support after divorce, you need a lawyer who understands the law, listens to your goals, and advocates for long-term solutions. Families across Howard County turn to Divorce With a Plan because:
- We Know Alimony Law: We’re deeply familiar with Maryland statutes and local court processes.
- We Plan Ahead: We help you see the big picture, both financially and legally, so you can move forward with confidence.
- We’re Here for You: Whether negotiating or litigating, we offer the personalized support and smart strategies you deserve.
At Divorce With a Plan, you’re not just securing support, you’re building a stronger future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request spousal support before I'm officially divorced in Howard County?
Yes. In Maryland, you must request spousal support before the divorce is finalized. If you wait until after the court grants your divorce, you lose the right to seek alimony, regardless of your circumstances.
What are the different types of spousal support available in Howard County?
There are three types:
- Alimony pendente lite (temporary support during divorce proceedings)
- Rehabilitative alimony (short-term support while the receiving spouse becomes self-sufficient)
- Indefinite alimony (long-term support when self-sufficiency is unlikely due to age, disability, or other significant factors)
How do Howard County courts decide whether to award alimony?
The court looks at several factors, including the length of the marriage, the financial circumstances of each spouse, age, health, standard of living during the marriage, and reasons for the divorce. Judges aim to balance fairness and ensure neither spouse is left in a drastically worse financial position.
Do I have to go to court to receive spousal support?
Not always. Some spouses reach a mutual agreement through negotiation or mediation. If that’s not possible, the court will decide based on the case details. We’re here to represent you in either setting.
What if my ex isn't paying the alimony they were ordered to?
If your former spouse isn’t complying with a court-ordered alimony agreement, you can file for enforcement. Our team can help you take the necessary legal steps to hold them accountable and secure the support you’re owed.
Can a spousal support order be changed after divorce?
Yes. If there’s a substantial change in circumstances, such as a job loss, serious illness, or significant income change, you may petition the court to increase, decrease, or end the support. We guide clients through both new requests and modifications.
Who can receive alimony in Howard County?
Typically, the dependent spouse, someone who is not financially self-sufficient, may be eligible for support. This could include a stay-at-home parent, a spouse with a health condition, or someone who left the workforce to support the household.
What factors increase the likelihood of being awarded indefinite alimony?
Indefinite alimony may be granted if the dependent spouse is older, has a permanent disability, or if there is a large and unfair disparity in income and quality of life that cannot reasonably be corrected over time.
How much does a spousal support lawyer cost in Howard County?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether litigation is necessary. At Divorce With a Plan, we offer consultations to evaluate your situation, explain your options, and provide clarity on expected legal fees so you can move forward with confidence.
Contact a Howard County Spousal Support Lawyer Today
Whether you’re seeking support or preparing to pay it, alimony can have a lasting impact on your life. At Divorce With a Plan, we’re here to help you take control of your financial future, with experienced, strategic legal counsel that puts your goals first.
Contact us at 240-269-3592 or email info@josephialaw.com to schedule your consultation today.
Book Your Consultation Now: (240) 269-3592
