Alimony in Maryland
State-specific overview · Family Law
Maryland awards "alimony" based on need and ability to pay, with duration guidelines tied to marriage length but subject to judicial discretion.
How Maryland treats Alimony
Maryland courts evaluate income, property, earning capacity, age, health, and the standard of living established during marriage. Alimony duration generally correlates with marriage length: shorter marriages typically receive shorter awards, while marriages of twenty years or more may result in indefinite support. Awards terminate upon remarriage, cohabitation, or death of either party. Maryland permits modification upon a material and substantial change in circumstances, and courts have broad discretion to deviate from durational guidelines when justice requires.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.