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Maryland Maintenance

Maintenance is also called alimony or spousal support under different state divorce laws. Maryland maintenance is awarded to either spouse at the discretion of the Maryland divorce court. The alimony award may or may not be affected by the Maryland grounds for divorce, especially if it is a fault divorce. The Maryland divorce court considers a variety of factors when determining a fair and equitable award, including:

  • Ability of the spouse seeking Maryland maintenance to be wholly or partly self-supporting
  • Time needed for the spouse seeking alimony to get a sufficient education to find suitable employment
  • Standard of living the couple established during the marriage
  • Length of the marriage
  • Monetary and nonmonetary contributions of each spouse to the well-being of the family
  • Each spouse's age
  • Physical and mental condition of each spouse
  • Circumstances surrounding the divorce
  • Any prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement between the couple
  • Ability of the spouse paying the alimony to meet both spouse's needs
  • Financial needs and resources of each spouse

Maryland divorce courts can specify the time for which the Maryland maintenance award is valid. It may be possible to extend or modify the alimony award if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Under Maryland divorce law, alimony awards are terminated when:

  • One of the spouse's die
  • Spouse receiving alimony remarries
  • Divorce court determines termination is necessary to avoid harsh and inequitable treatment

Speak with a local Maryland divorce lawyer to find out more about Maryland maintenance. A Maryland divorce lawyer can explain to you how the circumstances of your divorce will affect your Maryland maintenance award. Protect your financial future by connecting today. Call 877-349-1310 or fill out a Maryland divorce case review.

The above synopsis of Maryland divorce laws is by no means all-inclusive and has been adapted from applicable state laws. These laws may have changed since our last update and there may be additional laws that apply in your situation. For the latest information on these divorce laws, please contact a local Maryland divorce lawyer in your area.

Maryland divorce laws were last updated April 2009.

Note: Keep in mind that all divorce laws are complex. If you need legal divorce advice or want to fully understand how these laws affect you, please speak with a local divorce attorney.