Spousal Maintenance/Alimony
Spousal Maintenance /Alimony
Obtain The Financial Support You Need
D ivorce impacts not only your personal well-being but also your financial status. The divorce process itself can be costly, and you may face additional financial hardships after your divorce is granted. At Tuzinski & Zick, L.L.C. we have the legal skills necessary to calculate what you can reasonably expect to receive or pay following your divorce. We have the resources you need to handle your case through mediation, and are also equipped to go to court if negotiations fail.
Am I guaranteed to receive alimony if I get a divorce in Minnesota?
Alimony, often referred to as spousal maintenance, is not awarded unless the court determines there is an actual need for it. The goal is to preserve the standard of living as much as possible for each spouse.
The court will grant spousal maintenance for many different reasons, including but not limited to:
- Disability or illness
- Inexperience or not having worked outside the home for several years
- A large difference in the income between you and your spouse
How does the court determine an appropriate amount of alimony?
The court may order spousal maintenance for a specified or limited time so one spouse can seek training to return to the workforce. The court may grant permanent alimony if one spouse will never be able to support themselves because of illness or disability.
If you waive spousal support, the court will not award it later. However, if you “reserve” spousal maintenance, the court may grant an award at a later date. Support can be terminated if it is proven that the spouse receiving alimony has achieved the means for self-support.
In determining support and the specific amount of alimony, the court will consider several factors including:
- Age
- Health
- Education
- Work experience
- Skills
- Length of the marriage
- Financial resources and burdens such as marital property and child support
- Any loss of income, benefits or opportunities during the marriage
- Each spouse’s contribution of time and money to any increase in marital property or business ventures
We have the resources you need to protect your best interests and rights.