Rensselaer County Alimony Lawyer

A Vital Resource for Thousands of New York Individuals

Alimony, also referred to as spousal support or maintenance, is a crucial aide for many people during divorce or afterwards. There are various types of maintenance, one being only temporary and others lasting longer or indefinitely. Contact The Colwell Law Group, LLC today to discuss your specific situation with one of our experienced Rensselaer County alimony attorneys. Our compassionate and dedicated lawyers have more than 20 years of combined family law experience, and have dealt with all types of alimony cases. Our services also include addressing alimony requests from the other spouse, and we provide assistance to the spouse that is being asked to pay. Sometimes alimony is not a reasonable ask due to financial or work-related reasons.

Types of Alimony or Spousal Maintenance in Rensselaer County

The most common type of maintenance is temporary. There are a few types of temporary maintenance, and the most short-term is usually provided throughout the divorce process. This is provided to allow the lower earning spouse to live the lifestyle that they grew accustomed to throughout the marriage. Another temporary type of maintenance is rehabilitative, and is used to allow the lower earning spouse to obtain educational or vocational training. Whether this is a few months or a few years depends on the court’s decision, which is based on a variety of factors. Post-divorce maintenance may be set for a limited time or may be indefinite. While indefinite maintenance is rare, it is usually provided to a spouse who is older, has a less likely chance of being self sufficient, and when the other spouse is very well off. Women over the age of 50 are especially vulnerable to financial hardship after a divorce, according to Forbes, which makes spousal support all the more important.

How is Alimony Decided?

The court takes into account many different factors when ordering maintenance, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Length of marriage;
• Financial situation of both spouses;
• Jobs of both spouses;
• Loss of a career by the receiving spouse to support the other;
• Age of both spouses;
• Physical and mental health of both spouses;
• Likelihood of future self sufficiency of the receiving spouse;
• Conditions regarding how the marriage ended;
• Contributions made during the marriage by the receiving spouse;
• Presence of children;

Not Just for Women. Alimony is For Men Too

In the distant past, alimony was sought only by women due to the inequality in the workforce. Now, because women are nearly as likely to have a job that pays as much as the husband, alimony is slowly being distributed to husbands as well, according to Time Magazine. Whoever the lower earning spouse happens to be, they may be eligible for spousal support either in the short or long term.

Call a Rensselaer County Lawyer Today Regarding Alimony

Whether you are attempting to receive alimony or are concerned about having to pay alimony, the Rensselaer County attorneys of The Colwell Law Group, LLC are eager to provide assistance. Call today at 518-631-3954.

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