Can I get alimony in Maryland
Yes, you may be able to obtain alimony in Maryland if you are divorcing and meet the statutory criteria. Alimony—also called spousal support—is financial assistance paid by one former spouse to the other after a marriage ends. Maryland law, specifically Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8–205, gives the Circuit Court authority to award alimony when it is appropriate under the circumstances. The court does not automatically grant alimony; it examines a list of statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s ability to become self‑supporting, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Because every case turns on its own facts, experienced legal guidance can help you present the strongest possible claim. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team have extensive experience in Maryland family law matters. To discuss your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding Alimony in Maryland
Maryland courts treat alimony as a financial safety net for a divorcing spouse who needs support while he or she works toward self‑sufficiency, or who cannot become fully self‑supporting due to age, illness, or other circumstances. The Circuit Court for each county hears alimony claims, usually alongside the divorce petition. Maryland is an equitable‑distribution state for marital property, but alimony is a separate issue. Even if you receive a substantial share of marital assets, you may still need alimony, and vice versa.
Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8‑205, the court weighs many factors before awarding support. These include the duration of the marriage, the contributions each spouse made to the family, the age and health of each party, each spouse’s earning capacity, the effort the recipient spouse is making to become self‑supporting, and the reason the marriage ended. Maryland no longer requires fault grounds for divorce—the law now offers mutual consent, six‑month separation, or irreconcilable differences as valid grounds—but the court may still consider fault when deciding alimony in certain cases. The goal is to craft an award that is fair under the particular facts.
Maryland recognizes several types of alimony. Pendente lite (temporary) alimony may be ordered while the divorce is pending. After the divorce, the court may award rehabilitative alimony to help a spouse gain education or training and become self‑supporting, or it may grant indefinite alimony if the recipient cannot reasonably be expected to become self‑sufficient. Indefinite alimony is not necessarily permanent—it can end upon remarriage, cohabitation, or a substantial change in circumstances—but it continues until a court orders otherwise. A knowledgeable family law attorney can help you present the facts that align with the type of support most appropriate for your situation.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Alimony Cases
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, brings a practical, detail‑oriented approach to family law. In alimony matters, he and his Of Counsel team begin by carefully analyzing the financial landscape of the marriage: the income streams, retirement accounts, business interests, and real estate that may affect both the need for support and the ability to pay. They work with clients to document each statutory factor—from the length of the marriage to the tangible contributions each spouse made—so the court sees a complete, well‑supported picture.
Because alimony often intersects with property division and child support, the team coordinates all aspects of a divorce. They are experienced in negotiating settlements that avoid protracted litigation, but when an agreement cannot be reached, they prepare thoroughly for court. The process is collaborative: every case is handled by Mr. Sris together with his Of Counsel, drawing on over 120 years of combined legal experience and over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), and that same commitment to understanding statutory nuance is brought to every Maryland alimony case the firm handles.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Since founding Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, he has built a multi‑state practice that serves individuals across a wide range of family law matters, including complex alimony, equitable distribution, and divorce. His background in accounting and information systems gives him a sharp eye for financial detail—an advantage when calculating support obligations or tracing marital assets through businesses and investment portfolios.
Mr. Sris works with a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring their own extensive experience to the firm. Each Of Counsel is a seasoned litigator or former public‑sector lawyer; together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have over 120 years of combined legal experience and over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The team’s collective knowledge spans the procedural rules of Maryland’s Circuit Courts, the local practices in counties from Montgomery to Worcester, and the evolving statutory framework that governs alimony awards. When you consult Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., you benefit from the entire team’s insight—not just one attorney’s perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors does a Maryland court consider when deciding alimony?
Maryland courts weigh multiple statutory factors under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8–205, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age and health, their respective earning capacities, the standard of living during the marriage, and the efforts of the recipient spouse to become self‑supporting. The court may also consider the circumstances that led to the divorce and any monetary or non‑monetary contributions each party made to the family. No single factor controls; the judge balances all of them to reach a fair result. Working with an attorney who knows how to present evidence under each factor can strengthen your claim.
Is alimony awarded in every Maryland divorce?
No, alimony is not automatic in Maryland; it is granted only when the court finds that one spouse needs financial support and the other has the ability to pay. Even if a spouse requests alimony, the court conducts a detailed analysis before making an award. In some cases, a property settlement or the recipient spouse’s own earning ability makes alimony unnecessary. Having a lawyer guide you through the financial disclosure and argument phase is critical to protecting your interests.
How long can alimony last in Maryland?
The duration of alimony depends on the type awarded and the facts of the case. Rehabilitative alimony is set for a specific purpose—such as finishing a degree or training program—and usually has a fixed end date. Indefinite alimony has no preset expiration but can be modified or terminated if the recipient remarries, cohabits, or experiences a substantial change in circumstances. A court retains the power to revisit alimony orders under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 11‑107.
Can alimony be modified after the divorce?
Yes, under Maryland law, a party may petition the Circuit Court to modify alimony if there has been a material change in circumstances since the original order. Common reasons for modification include a significant increase or decrease in either party’s income, loss of a job, serious illness, or retirement. The party seeking the change must prove the changed condition is substantial and not merely temporary. Modification proceedings often require detailed financial documentation, so working with an experienced family law team is advisable.
Do I need a lawyer to seek alimony in Maryland?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney, the alimony process involves complex financial analysis, strict evidentiary rules, and local court procedures that make professional representation extremely valuable. A lawyer can help you gather the right records, prepare income and expense statements, present expert testimony if needed, and negotiate a settlement that reflects your true needs. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have handled alimony matters across many Maryland counties and can guide you through each stage of the proceeding.
What is the difference between rehabilitative and indefinite alimony in Maryland?
Rehabilitative alimony is designed to support a spouse for a limited time so he or she can acquire the skills or education needed to become self‑sufficient, while indefinite alimony is reserved for cases in which the recipient cannot reasonably be expected to achieve self‑support. Rehabilitative awards often include a plan with milestones. Indefinite alimony may be appropriate when a long marriage, advanced age, or a disability makes full independence unrealistic. A Maryland judge decides which type fits the circumstances after considering the statutory factors.
How does a Maryland court determine the amount of alimony?
The amount of alimony is based on the recipient’s demonstrated need and the paying spouse’s ability to pay, as measured against the financial picture the court develops through discovery and testimony. The judge reviews income, expenses, assets, debts, and the marital standard of living. Maryland does not use a formula for alimony; each award is fact‑specific. Presenting a clear, organized financial record through your attorney can influence the amount the court sets.
If I remarry, does alimony end?
Under Maryland law, an alimony obligation generally terminates upon the remarriage of the recipient spouse. Cohabitation may also be grounds to seek termination or modification, though the standard is stricter—the payer must show the recipient is living with a partner in a marriage‑like relationship that alters the financial equation. The paying spouse must petition the court to end the alimony; it does not stop automatically.
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Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a Maryland location at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, by appointment. Call (888) 437‑7747.