Spousal Maintenance Lawyer in Scottsdale

Whether you wish to seek spousal maintenance from your former spouse in a Scottsdale divorce case or protect yourself from this type of financial obligation, the attorneys at Guymon Law can help you reach your goals. Our lawyers have years of experience representing clients in many different family law matters, including complicated spousal support cases. Learn more today during a private consultation with one of our spousal maintenance attorneys in Scottsdale.

What Is Scottsdale Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance, also referred to as alimony, is a type of financial support sometimes granted to one spouse in a divorce or legal separation case. Its purpose is to protect a lower-earning spouse from unfair financial consequences connected to a divorce. If a couple had a significant disparity in how much each spouse earned during a marriage, the lower earner could be eligible for spousal support in a divorce – especially if he or she gave up a career to raise a family or take care of the household.

How Do the Courts in Scottsdale Determine Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is not a guarantee. It is also not something that is based on fault for the divorce. Instead, it is only available if the court believes that the spouse requesting this financial support is eligible based on Arizona’s related laws. Arizona Revised Statutes Section 25-319 provides a list of things that can make someone eligible for spousal support:

• Insufficient property (including property granted in a divorce order) to pay for the individual’s reasonable needs.
• The inability to be self-sufficient through gainful employment, either due to child care or a lack of earning ability.
• Significant financial or other contributions to the other spouse’s career, education or training during the union.
• A significant reduction in that individual’s career or earning opportunities for the benefit of the other spouse.
• A long marriage and an age that may eliminate the possibility of becoming self-sufficient.

If you believe that you are eligible to receive spousal support in your divorce case in Arizona, an attorney can help you prove what you are claiming using evidence such as financial statements and testimony from experts. If you wish to avoid having to pay your ex-spouse alimony, on the other hand, your lawyer can help you show that your ex is capable of acquiring gainful employment after your divorce.

How Long Does Spousal Maintenance Last in Scottsdale?

The answer to this question depends on the particular case. The law states that the duration of a spousal maintenance order is up to a judge’s discretion based on all relevant factors, including the length of the marriage and the amount of time that is necessary for the recipient to acquire enough education or training to become self-sufficient. The amount of the maintenance order is also up to a judge and is typically based on factors such as the financial status of each spouse, their comparative financial resources and their necessary expenditures.

There are two different types of alimony: temporary and permanent. Despite the name, permanent alimony does not always last forever. Instead, it refers to an order granted after a divorce has been finalized, while temporary spousal support is given while a divorce is still pending. Most spousal maintenance orders are not indefinite; they are terminated once the recipient is able to earn enough to be independent. However, it is possible to receive lifelong spousal support, in some cases.

Consult With a Scottsdale Spousal Maintenance Attorney Today

Learn more about your specific family law matter during a consultation with an attorney from Guymon Law. Our Scottsdale spousal maintenance attorneys have the information and advice that you need during this difficult time. We will work tirelessly to defend your rights during a divorce or legal separation case. Call (480) 553-9782 or submit our online contact form today to learn more about spousal support.