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Spousal Maintenance

Commonly known as alimony, spousal support is intended to preserve as much as possible the current standard of living for the lower-earning spouse after divorce. Awards are often difficult to predict. Though family court judges must follow the criteria of state statute, there is no standard formula for calculating spousal support. Consult with an experienced divorce attorney who can help you navigate the many challenges to receiving your rightful benefits. Olson Law LLC will be a strong advocate for your interests as you move through the process, from disclosure of property and assets to legal support.

The Spousal Support You Deserve

An award of spousal support carries prerequisites: financial need, the ability of one party to pay and sufficient duration of a marriage to establish an entitlement. Several types of spousal maintenance are considered in Minnesota.

  • Permanent maintenance is paid to the recipient until the death of the payer, or until the remarriage of the recipient, providing that long-term disability is not an issue.
  • Temporary maintenance lasts for a specific period of time to avoid financial hardship.
  • Rehabilitative support is awarded when a spouse needs assistance with job training or expenses to return to the workforce after divorce.

Courts use the terms of the divorce agreement and judicial discretion when factoring whether to award spousal support. The judge will consider such factors as the duration of the marriage; the contributions each spouse makes to the union; prospective earning ability and employability of both spouses; age, physical and mental well-being; the standard of living during the marriage; future living expenses of each party; and disability.

The issue of spousal maintenance and the potential of award modification are rife with confusing details. Our attorneys will prepare and guide you toward a satisfactory presentation and settlement.

Life is complicated. When you’re faced with a family crisis, you want a compassionate yet diligent attorney who can be a fierce advocate for your case. Our attorneys work to empower our clients to evaluate options and protect their rights. We guide you through the difficulties ahead and work to minimize their impact on your life. Our knowledge and insight offer resources that support the needs of couples struggling with divorce, child custody, parenting and the many challenges related to family law.

Contact Our Firm

If you have concerns with questions of spousal maintenance, call 763-515-8013 for a free consultation with a lawyer. You can also schedule online. From our office in Buffalo, Minnesota, we represent clients throughout Maple Grove, Wright County and the west Twin Cities metro area.