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Can I Seek Spousal Maintenance?

If you are in the process of divorcing, you might be eligible for spousal maintenance. Also known as alimony, spousal maintenance is a sum of money a higher-earning spouse pays a lower-earning spouse for a specific period of time. If one spouse requires support during the divorce process, the spouse with the greater income might be ordered to pay temporary maintenance based on a specific formula.

Once the divorce is final, a judge can modify the amount of maintenance based on certain criteria. Both the amount and the duration of these payments are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the following variables:

Need – the judge examines the cost of food, clothing, education and health care. The judge also considers if one spouse is supporting children or paying a portion of day care costs, school fees or medical expenses for a child.

Lifestyle – the judge considers the lifestyle of the couple prior to the divorce. If one spouse did not work, the judge considers that spouse’s income potential and the need for further education or vocational training so that the spouse might find gainful employment. If one spouse was prevented from working via acts of domestic violence, this weighs heavily in favor of an order for spousal maintenance.

Assets and income – the judge considers the assets and income or potential income of each spouse and makes a determination based on each spouse’s ability to self-support and support the other.

Special considerations or conditions – the judge might also consider the age and health of each spouse, the duration of the marriage and any special circumstances, such one spouse’s support of elderly parents, or children with special needs.

An order of permanent maintenance can last until either death or remarriage. That is up to the judge and depends on the individual circumstances of each case. If you are divorcing and wish to pursue spousal support, speak to a divorce attorney. Call the Buffalo Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis at 716.886.9600 or contact us online.

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Randy S. Margulis
Member

As a Buffalo divorce lawyer for 28 years, I have devoted myself to solving the problems that affect families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York. As a family law attorney, I make it my goal to create a partnership of trust with my clients. People put their trust in me to handle cases that can potentially have a long-lasting impact on not only their lives, but the lives of their family as well.

Alexandra M. Rockwood Attorney Photo
Alexandra M. Rockwood
Senior Associate

Alexandra M. Rockwood is a Senior Associate Attorney with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates and has been with the firm since early 2020. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Alexandra is a practicing matrimonial and family law attorney as…

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    5.0/5.0

    Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...

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  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...

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  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Randy Margulis is knowledgable of Domestic Law, dedicated, responsive, personable, aggressive and effective. I came to him on a friend's recommendation as well as Randy's reputation, and during the initial consultation I liked his approach and track ...

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    5.0/5.0

    Found Mr. Margulis to be a very organized and professional individual to work with. He is well-respected by his peers and is spoken of highly, I believe this helped with my divorce and made things go smoothly. I would highly recommend his services ...

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    5.0/5.0

    Randy is very firm and effective in court while empathetic to his clients. I am a domestic violence victim, and Randy made me feel safe and protected. My financial award was more than I envisioned it to be when I started my divorce. I can't thank ...

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