Alimony Attorney Rockville, MD

Spousal support remedies for Rockville, Maryland divorce

Financial uncertainty is one of the most stressful aspects of divorce. If you are concerned you might not receive sufficient spousal support or that you might be burdened with an excessive obligation, you need to speak to an experienced attorney. The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott negotiates alimony as part of an overall divorce settlement agreement — and litigates the issue when spouses cannot come to terms. Her ability to remove the subject from an emotional context and argue objective metrics serves her clients well and has earned her the respect of judges and opposing counsel. She can give you the assistance and peace of mind you need during this trying time.

Maryland alimony laws explained

Maryland does not have alimony guidelines. Instead, the court analyzes the reasonable needs of the financially dependent spouse and the ability of the payor spouse to meet his or her own needs and those of the dependent. Each party prepares a detailed budget that helps determine the amount of alimony. A number of factors are also considered, such as the length of the marriage, the age of the parties, the health of the parties, the cause of the breakup of the marriage and the contributions to the marriage.

Support modifications due to changed circumstances

The court awards alimony for three distinct time periods related to the divorce:

• Pendente lite alimony covers the time between separation and divorce.
• Rehabilitative alimony allows time for a spouse to become fully self-supporting after divorce.
• Indefinite alimony is long-term support after the dependent spouse becomes fully self-supporting. The award is based on the court’s opinion that the disparity of income between the ex-spouses is still too great and fairness demands an award to address the inequity.

Alimony can also be modified at any time if the changed circumstances of one or both of the spouses render the award unfair. A dependent spouse who suddenly receives a windfall may have to answer the payor’s petition to lower alimony payments. Likewise, the payor who loses employment may petition the court for a downward adjustment of alimony obligations.

Enforcement of Rockville, Maryland alimony payments

Alimony is a court order and is enforceable under the law. A person found in contempt of court is liable for fines and imprisonment. The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott represents clients seeking to have an order to pay alimony enforced.

Contact an experienced Rockville, MD alimony lawyer

To discuss alimony issues with a knowledgeable Maryland attorney, call The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott at 301-637-8527 or contact her office online.