Spousal Support in Maryland
State-specific overview · Family Law
Maryland courts award spousal support based on financial need and ability to pay, with consideration of marital standard of living.
How Maryland treats Spousal Support
Maryland law allows courts to order alimony (spousal support) when one spouse cannot be self-supporting through reasonable efforts. The court evaluates factors including each spouse's income, earning potential, age, health, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Maryland distinguishes between temporary alimony during divorce proceedings and permanent or indefinite alimony after divorce, with different standards applying to each. The court may modify or terminate support if either party experiences a material change in circumstances, such as job loss or significant income increase.
The general definition of Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another, typically during or after divorce proceedings.
Spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony, is money one spouse pays to the other to help with living expenses during or after a divorce. It recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage or may have lower earning potential. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and their age and health when determining if support is appropriate and how much to award. Spousal support can be temporary (lasting only during the divorce process) or permanent (continuing indefinitely or for a set period).
Read the full Spousal Support 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.