Washington County Alimony Lawyer

Spousal maintenance, otherwise known as alimony, is a contentious issue in a New York divorce case, regardless of whether you are seeking support or fighting against payment. Though it is meant to provide financial assistance under proper circumstances, many parties in a divorce case have questions and concerns about their rights in alimony disputes.

It is essential to work with experienced family attorneys in any case, particularly when they involve the emotionally charged issue of spousal maintenance. At the Colwell Law Group, our Washington County alimony lawyers will put your needs first to assist in obtaining a favorable outcome. Since 2005, we have been representing clients in Washington County and Upstate New York, helping them achieve their objectives in spousal support matters.

Spousal Maintenance in New York

One party may endure financial hardship, both during divorce proceedings and after entry of the final divorce decree. Alimony is intended to alleviate money concerns, while also providing the means for a lower-earning spouse to earn a living. Parties are encouraged to agree on spousal support payments with assistance from an alimony lawyer in Washington County, but New York State law applies to determine support in the event of a dispute. A judge may consider:

• The length of the marriage
• Each party’s income and future earning capacity
• The age and health of the parties, for purposes of employment
• How marital assets are divided
• Whether one party gave up valuable opportunities to contribute to the family
• Whether one spouse assisted the other in achieving career goals

These factors are intended to guide the Washington County Family Court, both in determining the propriety of alimony and decided how much is appropriate under the circumstances.

Forms of Alimony

The types of alimony in a New York divorce case address two time periods involved in the process are temporary spousal maintenance paid to one spouse during divorce proceedings and post-divorce spousal maintenance, which may apply after the case concludes.

Post-divorce alimony may be appropriate after entry of the final divorce decree, but it is likely to be limited in terms of duration. The aim is to allow the recipient party to become self-sufficient and earn a reasonably comfortable living. Permanent spousal support is rare, but a judge may order alimony to be paid for the recipient’s lifetime where:

• The marriage lasted several years
• One spouse is considerably wealthy or possesses extensive future earning capacity 
• The lower earning spouse would have difficulty with training and getting back into the workforce, often due to age

Note that either durational or non-durational spousal support terminates if the recipient remarries or engages in a cohabitational relationship with another person.

A Washington County lawyer with experience in alimony cases could argue for spousal support to be paid for as long a duration as possible.

Discuss Spousal Support with a Washington County Alimony Attorney

At the Colwell Law Group, our lawyers are dedicated to assisting clients with all aspects of divorce, including alimony. Please contact us by phone or online to schedule a confidential consultation today. A Washington County alimony lawyer could explain your legal alternatives, assess your goals in a divorce proceeding, and tell you more about your case after reviewing your circumstances.

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