When couples divorce, many people think that alimony is all about who earns more. But in Maryland, it’s not that simple. The law recognizes that sustaining a marriage and a family involves more than just bringing home a paycheck.
What does the court consider?
Even if you didn’t earn as much money as your spouse, your other contributions to the family are important. These might include:
- Taking care of children: If you were the main caregiver, the court values this. They know that raising kids is an important job that can affect your own career.
- Running the household: Did you do most of the cooking, cleaning and organizing? These tasks keep a family going and might have allowed your spouse to focus more on their job.
- Helping your spouse’s career: Maybe you moved for your spouse’s job or took on more work at home so they could advance in their career.
- Supporting your family’s well-being: This could mean providing emotional support, keeping family relationships strong or creating a stable home.
Courts value these non-financial contributions because they often allow one spouse to focus more on their career and potentially earn more money. In other words, your work at home might have helped your spouse succeed at work.
How are alimony decisions made?
When deciding on alimony, Maryland courts don’t just look at one or two factors. They consider the whole picture of your marriage. Here are other key factors the court will consider:
- How long you were married
- Your age and health
- Your ability to support yourself
- Your spouse’s ability to pay
- Your standard of living during the marriage
- Why the marriage ended
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
Take note that every case is different. If you have questions about how alimony might work in your situation, it’s a good idea to seek professional legal counsel.
Get clarity on your situation
Divorce and alimony can be complicated, especially when it comes to non-financial contributions. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about your situation, consider consulting with an attorney. They can explain your rights and help you make informed decisions.