Mastering alimony in Maryland: A strategic guide to understanding and calculating spousal support

Alimony, often one of the most contentious issues in a divorce, involves payments from one ex-spouse to another post-divorce to maintain the standard of living they were accustomed to during the marriage.

This guide, presented by the Howard County family lawyers with Coover Law Firm, LLC, delves into calculating alimony in Maryland, helping you understand what to expect and how to prepare for these potential financial obligations. Keep reading for more, then call (410) 553-5042 for legal support and guidance.

What is alimony?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a financial provision made by one ex-spouse to the other following a separation or divorce. Its primary goal is to mitigate the economic effects of divorce by providing continuing income to the lower-wage-earning or non-wage-earning spouse.

Important note:

Maryland Courts have much power in determining the amount and duration of alimony, which makes understanding the potential outcomes critical. It is advisable to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can provide guidance based on the specifics of your situation and recent case law.

Factors influencing alimony in Maryland

Maryland Courts consider several factors when determining whether to award alimony and the amount thereof. These factors include, but are not limited to:

The ability of the party seeking alimony to be wholly or partly self-sufficient
The time necessary for the party seeking alimony to gain sufficient education or training to find suitable employment
The standard of living established during the marriage
The duration of the marriage
The contributions, both monetary and non-monetary, of each party to the well-being of the family
The circumstances that contributed to the estrangement of the parties
The age, physical, and mental condition of each party

Calculating alimony in Maryland

Step-by-step process

Determine the need and ability to pay: Assess whether one party needs support and whether the other party has the ability to pay. This involves a detailed analysis of each party’s financial resources, including income, assets, and debts.
Consider the duration of the marriage: Longer marriages may lead to longer or more substantial alimony awards, particularly if one spouse has been out of the workforce for an extended period.
Evaluate each party’s living expenses: Courts often consider the reasonable needs of the party seeking alimony, which includes monthly expenses and the standard of living during the marriage.
Apply statutory guidelines, if applicable: While Maryland does not have a strict formula for calculating alimony, Judges may use formulas and guidelines from similar cases as references to ensure consistency in alimony awards.

Types of alimony in Maryland

Alimony pendente lite (temporary alimony): Awarded during the divorce proceedings and ends when the divorce is finalized.
Rehabilitative alimony: Awarded for a specific period to allow the receiving spouse to become self-supporting. It typically ends when the recipient has completed the education or training necessary to find employment.
Indefinite alimony: May be awarded if the receiving spouse cannot reasonably be expected to make substantial progress toward becoming self-supporting or if there is a large disparity in the living standards of the two parties.

Relevant Maryland statutes and case law:

Alimony – Maryland Code and Court Rules
Family Law – Maryland General Assembly
Upham v. Upham – Court of Appeals of Maryland
Asking for Spousal Support or Alimony – Maryland Courts

How Coover Law Firm, LLC can help

Coover Law Firm, LLC specializes in Maryland family law, including alimony calculations. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of alimony, from initial filings to final determinations. We offer personalized advice, ensuring your financial interests are protected throughout the divorce process.

We are here to assist with all your spousal support needs

Calculating alimony in Maryland involves a detailed examination of each spouse’s financial circumstances, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the contributions made by each spouse. With the right legal guidance, you can approach this challenging aspect of divorce with confidence and clarity.