Alimony & Spousal Support
The Southern Maryland law firm Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher (SCB) has experienced family law practitioners. Family law issues – divorce, separation agreements, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony and spousal support, division of marital property, protective orders, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, hidden assets, and high asset divorce – are life changing events. Planning and good advice is the best way to face this legal and emotional situation. The first step is to meet with us to assess your situation now or what it may be in the future and discuss your options.
When couples divorce, it’s common for one spouse to need ongoing financial help from the other.
Types of Spousal Support in Maryland
Spousal support is a monetary payment that one spouse makes to another spouse for a set period of time. Sometimes this support is awarded by the court during divorce, after the divorce, and if appropriate both during and after.
Divorce requires both spouses to adjust to a new standard of living which is usually lower than what they are used to. If a lower-earning spouse is out of work, lacks training, or unemployable, the court can order the higher-earning spouse to help the lower-earning spouse financially until employment is possible.
Qualifying for Spousal Support in Maryland
In Maryland, once a court determines a need and ability to pay, the judge will evaluate the following factors to determine a fair and equitable spousal support award:
- supported spouse’s ability to become self-supporting
- time required for supported suppose to advance education needed for employment
- marital standard of living
- marriage length
- each spouse’s contributions (monetary and nonmonetary) to the family well-being
- each spouse’s age and mental/physical condition
- paying spouse’s ability to remain financially independent while paying spousal support
- each spouse’s financial needs
- whether an award of spousal support would cause the paying spouse to become eligible for medical assistance earlier than necessary
- the circumstances that contributed to the divorce
In Maryland, judges have discretion and evaluation and weigh each of the above factors to calculate spousal support. Unless the couple agrees otherwise, the judge will decide frequency and payment type for spousal support.
The family law team at Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher can offer the support you need and help you navigate this complicated process towards a desirable outcome.
Contact Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher’s Family Law Attorneys
We will work to avoid litigation and settle your family law issues amicably through negotiation. However, when this is not possible, we fight vigorously to protect your interests in the courtroom. Either way, Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher is sensitive to your emotions, and we will always provide compassionate representation.
If you would like to speak with a member of the firm, or have any question about our practice, please contact our offices to arrange a consultation. Call 301-627-5500.
