Alimony and spousal maintenance
Spousal maintenance, also called spousal support or alimony, is one spouse’s responsibility to support the other financially before, during or after a divorce. Its purpose is to keep the divorce from leaving either of you in an unfair financial position.
What courts look at
Maintenance is decided case by case and is usually at the court’s discretion. Factors include:
- How long you were married
- Each spouse’s age and physical and mental health
- The standard of living you had during the marriage
- What each of you contributed to the marriage, financially and otherwise
How mediation helps
In mediation you discuss the presumptively correct amount and the tax implications of maintenance, and decide on terms together.
We do not give legal advice. We guide both of you to a mutual and voluntary agreement.
Why couples mediate it instead
- Confidential
- Keep your privacy in a neutral setting, without the stress of a trial or court proceeding.
- Quicker
- Two to three sessions on average, and the whole process can be completed in as little as one month. Contested litigation can take years.
- Less stress
- You set the terms and the pace, and reach decisions that work for both of you. That helps your relationship after the divorce, too.
- One flat fee
- It covers the mediation sessions, an attorney for the legal work, the paperwork and the court filing.
Call with any questions. We will explain the process and set up a time to sit down with a mediator.