Alimony in Maryland
What is Alimony?
Alimony is financial support that a person is ordered by a court to give to their spouse during separation or following divorce.
In Maryland, this is often called “rehabilitative alimony,” where money is paid to the dependent spouse to allow them time to become self-sufficient. This is the most common type and is usually time-dependent. It might last while the dependent spouse completes their degree program or other training that will allow them to support themselves.
Another type of alimony is “alimony pendente lite,” which is a request for alimony so you can maintain your current lifestyle until the divorce is finalized.
“Indefinite alimony” is another type of alimony that does not have an end date and is awarded if there is a significant and unfair difference in your standard of living or earning potential after the divorce.
The court looks at several things to determine alimony awards. This includes:
Length of the marriage
Financial situation before, during, and after the marriage
Age, physical, and mental health status of each spouse
The ability of a dependent spouse to be self-sufficient
Reasons for divorce
The financial situation of both
The court will consider these as they determine if there should be an alimony award and the amount of that award.
Will I have to pay taxes on the alimony? Or can I deduct the alimony payments I make?
As of January 2019, all alimony awards are NOT taxed as income nor deductible for the payor. Any modification of an award from before 2019 will come to follow the new tax laws.
If you think you need alimony, you must complete the request after the divorce paperwork is filed but before the divorce is finalized. You cannot request alimony after the divorce is final. All court decisions regarding alimony are particular to the situation of the parties involved.
Alimony Help
Do you need help with your request for alimony and completing all the paperwork on the necessary timeline? Do you have questions beyond this information or how this information may apply to you?
Please schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. I would be happy to speak with you regarding your situation.
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