Experienced Spousal Maintenance Lawyers

Assisting Clients Throughout Arizona With Spousal Support

Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony or spousal support in some states, has two components. A spouse seeking maintenance must first demonstrate that they are eligible for an award based on five statutory factors. If eligibility has been established, the court must then apply the Arizona Spousal Maintenance Guidelines to determine the amount and duration of the award. Arizona law permits the court to award spousal maintenance “only for a period of time and in an amount necessary to enable the receiving spouse to become self-sufficient.” In determining the final award, the judge will analyze thirteen additional statutory factors, some of which include:

• The standard of living established during the marriage.
• The duration of the marriage.
• The age, employment history, earning ability and physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking maintenance.
• The ability of the spouse from whom maintenance is sought to meet that spouse’s needs while meeting those of the spouse seeking maintenance.
• The contribution of the spouse seeking maintenance to the earning ability of the other spouse.
• The extent to which the spouse seeking maintenance has reduced that spouse’s income or career opportunities for the benefit of the other spouse.
• The time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking maintenance to find appropriate employment and whether such education or training is readily available.
• The cost for the spouse who is seeking maintenance to obtain health insurance and the reduction in the cost of health insurance for the spouse from whom maintenance is sought.

Since the weight each of these factors is given can vary from case to case, it is critical to have a lawyer in your corner who can best present your case and specific situation to the court. This way, your rights will be safeguarded.

How Long Will Spousal Maintenance Last?

The duration of a spousal maintenance award is also established by the Guidelines. The length of the marriage is the primary factor in determining the duration of the award, but other circumstances can be taken into consideration as well. At our law firm, we can work with you to explain how each and every factor could affect your support award and your future.

Contact A Spousal Support Attorney In The Phoenix Area

To speak with an experienced family law and spousal maintenance attorney in Arizona, please contact our law office. We are ready to help you negotiate your support award and, if necessary, litigate for you in the courtroom.