The Smart Way to Approach Alimony: 4 Tips for Making Sure You’re Compensated Fairly After a Divorce

Alimony, also known as spousal support or family maintenance, refers to the financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other as part of divorce or legal separation. It is intended to address the economic needs of each spouse in light of their income disparities and financial needs post-divorce.  Alimony serves as a means of ensuring that both parties can maintain a reasonable standard of living after the dissolution of the relationship. The amount and duration of alimony payments are typically determined by a court, taking into consideration factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial needs and earning capacities of both spouses, the reason for the demise of the marriage as well as the lifestyle established during the marriage. Alimony is typically paid in monthly installments and can be awarded on a rehabilitative (temporary) basis or permanently.  Establishing which type of Alimony you or your spouse are entitled to is usually the paramount issue in disputed divorce cases. In cases where Alimony is a crucial aspect of divorce, the case strategy must be thoughtfully and carefully navigated at the onset of the case. An experienced divorce attorney can help you understand and identify the nuances and intricacies involved in your particular case thereby ensuring the best outcome whether you are the payor and the payee spouse in the case. 

Know Your Rights – Understand What You Are Entitled to When Seeking Alimony

When seeking alimony, it is essential to understand your legal options and what you are entitled to under the alimony statute in Maryland.  Alimony rights are based on the facts of each individual case and the Court has certain discretion when applying Maryland, Baltimore County Law when determining spousal support and other financial obligation of each party. Several Maryland cases and Maryland rules and statutes guides Judges when rendering decisions while giving the Court wide discretion. Understanding how to utilize these cases and statutes to your advantage is an important skill for family law attorneys. Establishing Alimony and spousal support is based on several factors such as the length of the marriage, the respective income and earning capacities of each party, the standard of living during the marriage, and disability or work limitations of each spouse may also be among those factors considered by the Court. This is a complicated issue which requires the advice of a skilled and experience divorce attorney who understands the process and strategy required to maximize your Alimony award or to minimize your spousal support obligation. Remember, knowing your rights and how to proceed is crucial in establishing a solid foundation for financial stability and a successful transition into post-divorce life.

Consider Professional Counsel – Seek the Advice of an Experienced Divorce Attorney to Help You Navigate Complex Legal Issues

When facing complex legal issues, particularly in matters related to family law, it is highly recommended that you seek advice of counsel. Consulting with an experienced family lawyer or divorce attorney can help prepare your case for a successful outcome whether the case evolves into disputed litigation or an amicable resolution. An experienced divorce attorney can steer your case into an amicable resolution by helping to resolve spousal support and alimony issues before expensive and tedious litigation.  Professional guidance and a strategic approach in divorce and separation cases will alleviate stress, protect your interests, and ensure the best possible outcome for your situation. 

Negotiate a Reasonable Settlement – Understand What is Fair and Try to Reach an Agreement that Both Parties Can Live

When it comes to negotiating alimony in settlement discussions, it is essential to understand your rights and set reasonable expectations for both parties.  Fostering collaborative discussions in an effort to avoid expensive litigation and emotional turmoil is the objective. However, what is reasonable to one spouse may seem unreasonable to the other. Negotiating an acceptable resolution requires constructive communication by both parties and a willingness to compromise. Essentially,  finding common ground is the key to a successful settlement. A skilled divorce attorney or a family law mediator is instrumental with this process. 

Contact a Divorce Attorney – ZM Law Group for Assistance with Your Alimony Case

Seeking professional support from family law lawyers, like those at ZM Law Group, is crucial when dealing with alimony, spousal maintenance and all other financial issues in divorce matters. Contact us today to get started.