Child Support & Family Law Attorney

Ensuring the protection of your financial interests

In the past, spousal maintenance (also commonly known as "alimony) was awarded to women who were stay-at-home moms. Changes in society and the increase of dual-income households has forced the courts to re-evaluate spousal maintenance. Now, courts need to ensure that they examine the unique financial situation of each divorcing couple instead of simply relying on archaic gender roles that are rarely still relevant.

Spousal maintenance: Temporary vs. Permanent

Temporary spousal maintenance (also known as Rehabilitative maintenance) is awarded for a specific timeframe in order to assist in the education, job training and or skills of the receiving party so that they can work towards supporting themselves in the future.

Permanent spousal maintenance is awarded for an indefinite amount of time, typically when the marriage can be considered "long-term". Permanent maintenance is awarded in cases where the receiving spouse is not capable of self-support based on what they earned while married.

Reserving Child Support or Spousal Maintenance

There are cases where spousal maintenance (and child support in some cases) can be "reserved". That simply means that to keep the divorce proceeding moving forward, any maintenance schedule is not dealt with until a later time and date. It typically requires additional legal support. If you are being presented with a proposed settlement where support will be reserved, make sure you check with an experienced family law attorney to ensure that is the best thing for your specific situation.

Free Initial Consultation - Twin Cities Family Law Attorney

If you are facing a child support or spousal maintenance issue and need help, take advantage of our free initial consultation by contacting one of the locations below.