Bethesda Alimony
Bethesda Alimony Lawyers Helping Clients Seeking Support
Protecting the rights of Montgomery County clients
Alimony is a way to help the spouse who is not capable of earning a living or leaving at a similar standard of living after a married couple divorces. An equitable distribution of assets can help to address economic imbalances, but it does not help produce a regular income. A spouse who keeps the marital home still has to pay the remaining mortgage, the property taxes, and the upkeep for the home. Alimony is a way of compensating someone who helped his/her spouse earn a living.
The Bethesda alimony attorneys at McCabe Russell, PA fight for people who now need financial support after a divorce. We understand what factors Montgomery County family court uses to assign support, how long the support award can be for, and how much the alimony payment should be. We also work to come up with practical solutions, such as having a spouse pay the mortgage company directly instead of, or in addition to, paying alimony.
What types of alimony awards are available in a Maryland divorce?
There are three types of alimony awards you can pursue:
- Alimony pendente lite. This is a limited award of money to make sure one spouse does not use his/her money to force an unfair settlement of equitable distribution, child custody and support, and longer-term alimony. It is meant to level the playing field so contests are based on merit, not wealth.
- Rehabilitative alimony. This type of alimony is used when a person could support himself/herself is he/she could get a college degree, learn a trade, or obtain a license or certificate such as a cosmetology license. The spouse who is earning a living pays alimony for a short term – usually several years.
- Indefinite alimony. Some people will never be able to earn a sufficient living. This can be because of a physical disability, a learning disability, old age, or other reasons. In this situation, alimony is paid for the spouse’s life or until certain exceptions occur, such as the recipient remarries.
Court-awarded alimony awards can only be changed if there is a significant change in circumstance, such as the loss of a job.
Will I receive spousal support in my divorce?
Given that the purpose of alimony is to allow the recipient to become self-supporting, the spouse who is dependent on the other spouse for financial upkeep may be awarded spousal support in a way that will encourage their self-sufficiency. There is no guarantee, however, that you will receive alimony after your divorce.
How does Montgomery County determine alimony awards?
Family courts and lawyers examine a variety of factors to determine what alimony should be ordered. These factors include:
- The number of years the couple was married
- The economic circumstances of each person
- How old they are
- The health of each spouse
- The reasons for the divorce
- The ability of each person to earn income
- How far each person got in school
- Their debts, if any
- Whether either spouse has an interest in any retirement benefits
How the marital property is being divided is also an alimony factor.
Family law services from the firm you can trust
Divorce is challenging enough for spouses without children. Married couples with children and unwed parents need to decide who is going to raise and care for the child upon separation. Decisions must be made about where the child will live. We advise parents that the best interests of the child come first and align the parent’s interests with those of the child. We provide skilled counsel in these family law matters:
Types of Cases We Handle
Our Bethesda family attorneys handle a variety of cases, including:
Honest advice to help you move forward
Many divorced spouses deserve alimony. It is only fair that if one spouse stays home during the marriage – to raise the children, take care of the home, and sacrifice his or her own career so the other spouse can advance in theirs – that they have alimony after a divorce. At McCabe Russell, PA, we fight to protect and preserve our clients’ futures. We also represent people who want to limit the alimony they are required to pay. For wise counsel, please call us at 443-812-1435 or use our contact form to make an appointment.
Bethesda Office
6701 Democracy One Plaza Loop,
Suite 300,
Bethesda, Maryland, 20817
Phone: (301) 888-6945