Thank you for joining me. My name is LaSheena Williams, and I am a Maryland family law attorney. My firm helps our clients take control of out-of-control domestic situations. Today we will be discussing proving your grounds, seeking a permanent alimony award.
What are Permanent Alimony Awards?
A permanent alimony award is an award of spousal support granted by the court requiring your spouse or you to pay spousal support for the duration of your spouse’s life or at least until that spouse remarries or they pass, or some other major change occurs.
When can you request permanent alimony awards?
You can request a permanent alimony award at any stage of your divorce proceedings. Similar to seeking a temporary support award, what you need to show to get these types of awards heavily depends on what stage you are currently in in the matter. For example, if you are seeking alimony at the pendente lite stage you must show that you have a need and you must show that your spouse can pay at that stage. This would not necessarily be considered permanent alimony, but you might get a temporary alimony award while you’re waiting for your case to essentially end. Whereas, when it comes to the final hearing, seeking permanent alimony in Maryland is a lot harder.
What do you need to show to get them?
The requirements are a lot more than if you’re seeking temporary alimony. Quite frankly, the courts tend to frown upon permanent alimony awards without significant justification. For example, yes you may not have worked for the past 15 or 20 years but if you have a doctorate and you’ve been working throughout your marriage but not necessarily making as much as your spouse, you are less likely to actually get a permanent alimony award than, if for some reason, let’s say you have a significant illness that prevents you from working and you’re not able to work and you are quite up there in age and you have health concerns and you have a lot of needs the court may order that your former spouse assists you in paying for your care for the rest of your life.
If you have any questions about proving your grounds for a permanent alimony award or any other domestic related matters, contact the Law Office of LaSheena M. Williams at (301) 778 – 9950 or leave an online request for a consultation.
