Do you worry about how you will support yourself financially after divorce? Perhaps you left the workforce to raise children or help your spouse pursue higher education, affecting your own earning potential.
If this situation sounds familiar, review the answers to common questions about spousal support, or alimony, in Maryland.
What are the categories of Maryland spousal support?
First, you can request support during the separation period. This payment, called alimony pendente lite, ends when you and your spouse sign the final divorce agreement.
Often, a temporary alimony award transitions into rehabilitative alimony after the divorce. With this arrangement, you will receive payments for a set time period as you pursue education or job training to become financially independent. Maryland rarely awards indefinite alimony without a set end. However, you may receive permanent support if you can’t work because of age, disability or caring for a loved one with a disability.
How does the state decide about alimony?
You and your spouse can reach an independent agreement about alimony and submit it to the judge for approval. You can also request alimony when you file for divorce or answer your spouse’s divorce petition with your own petition.
Some of the factors that influence state decisions about alimony include:
- How much you and your spouse each earn
- The expenses for each household
- The standard of living you shared with your spouse while married
- Your ability to work to earn a living
- The age, mental health and physical health of both you and your spouse
Either person can request a change in spousal support if his or her personal or financial circumstances change.