Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance provides payment designed to allow time for the ex-spouse to obtain education or employment sufficient for supporting themselves.
Spousal maintenance, sometimes called alimony in layman’s terms, is a payment that one spouse makes to the other for a specific period of time following a divorce. This payment is designed to help support the ex-spouse and allow time for that individual to obtain an education or a new job sufficient for supporting themselves.
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Spousal maintenance is not awarded to every ex-spouse and is instead decided one case at a time. There are a few different situations in which you may receive a judgment for spousal maintenance in your favor:
- Your spouse or ex-spouse was convicted of domestic violence against you or your child within two years of filing for divorce or during the divorce proceedings. Alimony may also be considered if the ex-spouse received deferred adjudication instead of a conviction.
- The marriage lasted 10 years or more and you lack sufficient income or assets to provide for your needs and you are either: 1) Disabled, 2) the primary caregiver for a disabled child, or 3) unable to earn a sufficient income to provide for your needs.
- You and your spouse agree amicably to the terms associated with temporary maintenance. This is referred to as spousal support rather than spousal maintenance.
- You are a sponsored immigrant. In this case, the sponsor (your spouse) can be ordered to provide you with 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines until you become a citizen or you have earned 40 credits of work history in the US.
If you think you may be entitled to spousal maintenance - or if you are unsure whether you will be required to pay spousal maintenance - contact Harris & McKeown Law Firm. We can schedule a free consultation to answer your questions, and if you so choose, we can represent you in the court proceedings.
Other Services
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Premarital Agreements
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Domestic Violence
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Divorce
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Community Property
ButtonCommunity property is any property that is divided equally between you and your spouse when you divorce. We can help you understand what to expect.
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Spousal Maintenance
ButtonHarris & McKeown Law Firm is also experienced in the nuances of spousal maintenance. We will help you determine if you qualify for support, and if you do, we will ensure you receive a fair amount.
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Child Custody and Parenting Time
ButtonChild custody and parenting time agreements are important for your children’s wellbeing. We help parents come to amicable agreements when it comes to custody, visitation, and more.
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Child Support
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Parent & Child Relationships
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