Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance, or alimony, refers to a payment one spouse makes to the other after a divorce. It is designed to protect the standard of living each spouse has grown accustomed to living and is applied differently depending on the unique situations of the marriage. For example, if the husband was the primary provider for his family while his wife stayed home to maintain the home and raise the children, the wife will likely not have the skills she needs to get a job that will allow her to live the lifestyle she is accustomed to living after a divorce. Spousal maintenance protects the more dependent spouse from suffering unjustly after a divorce.

Not all divorces include spousal support, as certain criteria must be met to establish the need. According to Arizona law, a spouse may seek spousal maintenance if he or she:

• does not have adequate property to meet reasonable living needs
• is unable to earn a living or is the custodian of a young child whose age or condition demands that the parent stay home to provide care
• supported their spouse’s educational endeavors
• had a long marriage and is of an age where they cannot gain employment to be self-sufficient.

An experienced attorney can help you understand how the law applies to your situation.

Contact a Phoenix Divorce Lawyer at 1-877-229-9508 to schedule a free initial consultation.

At Cates, Hanson, Sargeant & Schoenau, PLC, our attorneys understand the unique needs of couples that are facing divorce. We are adequately prepared to help both those in need of spousal maintenance and those fighting a spousal maintenance order. If you have questions about your responsibility or rights, call 602-296-3434 to speak with one of our experienced Phoenix attorneys.