Regardless of what brought about the end of a marriage, a divorce may address the disparity in income between spouses. If the parties’ incomes are unconscionably disparate a court may look to resolve this disparity by an award of alimony.
Suppose one spouse needs to or had to give up their source of income to focus more on the family and thus relied on the other spouse financially. The concept of alimony allows divorced spouses in Maryland with a lower income to receive monetary support even after divorce.
Additionally, going through a divorce can be emotionally and financially taxing. Receiving alimony can help a spouse in different endeavors during and after divorce, such as:
In paying professionals involved in the legal process
Beside a divorce attorney, you may need the help of other professionals. You may need an accountant to assist you in the audit and inventory of dividing the assets and outstanding debts or in hiring a psychologist to help you with the emotional impact of ending the marriage. Alimony can be used to pay for these professionals whose job it is to help you traverse the divorce process as smoothly as possible.
In building a new life
Whether you initiated the divorce or not, ending a marriage means a new chapter in your life. You can expect changes that will require you to spend money—on a new home, new household items and many others. Perhaps even a much-needed trip or vacation out of town to help you gather your bearings as you set out to reclaim the autonomy you once had as a single person. Whatever it is, the transition after a divorce will entail expenses.
Receiving spousal support or alimony has many advantages. It can help both spouses face a new chapter in their life with confidence and financial security. Working with an experienced divorce attorney can help determine whether you are entitled to or obligated to pay alimony, and if so, what amount of alimony you should receive or provide, and for how long.