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Alimony are payments by one spouse (or in a domestic partnership in DC by one partner) to the other for their support.

In Maryland and DC, alimony is not guaranteed. A court may award alimony or the parties may agree to the payment of alimony. Unlike child support, there are no guidelines that the court is required to consult to determine whether to award alimony, how much to award, or for what period of time. In order to determine alimony, the court looks at and weighs numerous factors.

Types of Alimony:

  • Pendente lite alimony is temporary support until a final trial, to allow a spouse to maintain his or her status quo until a final determination is made.
  • Rehabilitative or term alimony is for a period of time to allow an economically dependent spouse time to get on his or her feet.
  • Indefinite alimony does not have a set end date.

Lerch Early divorce attorneys help people reach, modify, and enforce alimony agreements and court orders regarding alimony.