Maintenance (Spousal Support)
Determinations of Maintenance are now more predictable than ever before.
Maintenance (also known as “alimony” in some other states) is the terminology used when one spouse pays the other spouse a certain amount of money at specified intervals for a specified amount of time.
Maintenance is not guaranteed under New York State law and is determined based on the specifics of each case. It used to be that maintenance was almost entirely discretionary with the courts. More recently, new statutes have made both temporary and permanent maintenance more predictable. Nevertheless, there is still a substantial amount of discretion that is available to judges in making such awards. Today, courts will consider many factors when determining maintenance, such as:
- The length of the marriage,
- The age of the parties,
- Each party’s current and future income potential,
- Marital assets,
- The standard of living during the marriage, and
- Each party’s health.
Our experienced attorneys are adept at navigating the complexities of spousal maintenance issues. We provide detailed, personalized guidance to help clients either pursue appropriate maintenance or limit their obligations, helping to ensure that the court’s discretion is applied favorably in light of the unique circumstances of each case. Call or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Let us answer your questions about spousal maintenance in New York.