Fulton, MD Spousal Support Lawyer

Fulton, MD Spousal Support Attorney

Spousal support, or alimony, is a crucial aspect of a large number of divorce cases. The main purpose of this support is to provide a spouse with the financial assistance they need to maintain their way of living after a divorce. An important part of spousal support is determining the amount and the duration. With the help of a Fulton spousal support lawyer, you can gain a better understanding of your rights and options based on your circumstances.

For broader legal assistance, a Fulton-based family lawyer can provide guidance on all family-related legal issues, including spousal support, child custody, and property division. If your case specifically focuses on divorce, a Fulton-based divorce lawyer can offer the expertise needed to ensure your interests are well-represented in court or during settlement negotiations.

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we are dedicated to providing legal advice and guidance to help our clients with any family matter they are dealing with. Our team of experienced attorneys understands the sensitive nature of family law issues, including spousal support. We can take the time to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and assess your situation to develop a strategy tailored to you.

Types of Spousal Support in Fulton, MD

In Fulton, MD, there are a few types of spousal support a person can potentially be awarded, including alimony pendente lite, indefinite alimony, and rehabilitative alimony. The circumstances of a divorce case typically determine which type of support a spouse receives, as each one serves a different purpose.

Alimony Pendente Lite

Alimony Pendente Lite is a form of temporary support awarded to one spouse for the duration of the divorce process. The purpose of this spousal support is to make sure the recipient can maintain the same standard of living from the marriage. Usually, this support will end when the divorce is finalized. It does not guarantee that the receiving spouse will be awarded alimony after the divorce, even if their income is significantly smaller than that of the paying spouse.

Indefinite Alimony

Indefinite alimony is a long-term spousal support that does not have a specific end date. It may be awarded to a spouse if they have a great financial need or if they lack the ability to earn their own income due to age, health, or any other factors. It is up to the court to decide if and when a spouse should be awarded indefinite alimony. A spouse may receive this support indefinitely or until one of the spouses experiences a notable change in circumstances that would warrant a termination or modification.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony is short-term spousal support meant to help the recipient as they work towards becoming self-supporting. This could be through job training or education. This type of spousal support is often awarded for a specific reason and for a set amount of time.

If the receiving spouse puts their career on hold during the marriage or does not have substantial job skills, they may receive rehabilitative alimony for as long as it is determined to take them to rejoin the workforce and transition to financial independence.

If you want to determine which type of spousal support may be appropriate for your circumstances, it is essential to consult with a spousal support lawyer and have your case evaluated.

Factors Considered in a Spousal Support Case

In Maryland, courts may consider several different factors when deciding if a spouse should receive support, such as the type of support, the amount, and the duration that is appropriate and fair. Some key factors include:

• Standard of living during the marriage
• Financial resources and needs of each spouse
• Length of the marriage
• Ability of the receiving spouse to be or become self-supporting
• Age and overall health of each spouse
• Reasons for the divorce
• Contributions made to the marriage by each spouse
• Agreements between the spouses regarding support

Understanding each of these factors and how they apply to your situation is vital when navigating a spousal support case in Fulton, MD. You can get a reasonable and fair spousal support arrangement with the assistance of a skilled lawyer.

FAQs About Fulton, MD Spousal Support Law

Can Spousal Support Be Modified in Maryland?

In Maryland, spousal support can be modified under certain circumstances. If a spouse has had significant changes in financial circumstances, either party can request a modification of the existing spousal support order. Such circumstances might include the paying spouse experiencing a decrease in income, the receiving spouse experiencing an increase in income, or either spouse experiencing a significant change in financial obligations.

Whichever party files for the modification must provide evidence of the change in circumstances that warrant their request.

Does Cheating Affect Spousal Support in Maryland?

Since Maryland is a no-fault divorce state, cheating does not automatically affect spousal support. However, it may be a factor that is taken into consideration by a judge when determining the amount of alimony to award a spouse and for how long. While adultery can potentially influence a judge’s decision, there is no guarantee that this will be the case in every situation where cheating is a reason for divorce.

Are There Tax Consequences for Spousal Support in MD?

Currently, in Maryland, recipients of spousal support do not have to include their support payments in their taxable income if the spousal support agreement went into effect after a specific date. On the other hand, payers of spousal support can no longer deduct the payments from their taxes if their agreement went into effect after a specific date.

How Does the Court Enforce Spousal Support Orders?

There are several ways the court can enforce spousal support orders in Fulton, MD. Depending on what the circumstances are, the court can enforce spousal support by garnishing the payer’s wages, placing liens on their property, suspending their driver’s or professional licenses, and, in more extreme cases, holding the payer in contempt of court.

Work With a Knowledgeable Attorney at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA

Working with an attorney from the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, can provide you with the legal support and guidance you need during your spousal support case. We can answer your questions and make sure you are fully aware of all of your options. Schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving the outcome that is the most fair and beneficial to you.