alimony lawyer Maryland, MD

Alimony in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8‑205 and is decided as part of a divorce or separate maintenance proceeding in the Circuit Court for the county where either spouse resides. The court determines whether spousal support is appropriate, what type of alimony to award, how much the payments will be, and for how long. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your alimony matter with an attorney experienced in Maryland family law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Understanding Alimony in Maryland

Alimony, often called spousal support, is a payment from one spouse to the other during or after a divorce to help the receiving spouse maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to what the couple enjoyed during the marriage. Unlike equitable distribution, which divides marital property, alimony addresses an ongoing income disparity. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8‑205, the Circuit Court may grant an award of alimony for a period the court considers appropriate. The statute does not prescribe a formula; instead the judge weighs a list of factors to decide whether an award is needed and, if so, the amount and duration.

Maryland’s alimony law applies across all 24 counties. Whether your case is heard in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County in Rockville, the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro, or the Circuit Court for Howard County in Ellicott City, the statutory framework is the same. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in alimony matters throughout Maryland from its Rockville location.

Types of Alimony in Maryland

Maryland courts may order several forms of spousal support depending on the circumstances.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony is the most common type. It is meant to help a spouse who has been out of the workforce or who needs education or training to become self-supporting. The award is for a defined period and is designed to bridge the gap until the recipient can earn a sufficient income. The court may set a specific termination date or tie the award to a future event, such as completing a degree.

Indefinite Alimony

Indefinite alimony may be awarded when the receiving spouse cannot reasonably be expected to become self-supporting, even after a period of rehabilitation. The statute permits indefinite alimony when, because of age, illness, infirmity, or disability, the recipient is unable to make reasonable progress toward self-sufficiency, or when the standard of living of the recipient would be unconscionably disparate from that of the paying spouse even after a reasonable period of rehabilitation. An award of indefinite alimony does not necessarily last forever; it may be modified or terminated if circumstances change.

Pendente Lite Alimony

During the divorce proceedings, a spouse may request temporary alimony, known as pendente lite support. This allows the lower-earning spouse to meet living expenses and pay legal fees while the case is pending. Pendente lite orders are temporary and are replaced by a final alimony award at the conclusion of the case.

Factors the Court Considers

Maryland’s alimony statute lists several factors that the court must consider when deciding whether to award alimony and in what amount. These include:

• The ability of the party seeking alimony to be wholly or partly self-supporting;
• The time necessary for the party seeking alimony to gain sufficient education or training to find suitable employment;
• The standard of living that the parties established during the marriage;
• The duration of the marriage;
• The contributions, monetary and nonmonetary, of each party to the well‑being of the family;
• The circumstances that contributed to the estrangement of the parties;
• The age of each party;
• The physical and mental condition of each party;
• The ability of the party from whom alimony is sought to meet his or her needs while meeting those of the party seeking alimony;
• Any agreement between the parties;
• The financial needs and resources of each party.

No single factor is controlling. The judge weighs all of them together to reach a result that is fair under the unique facts of the case.

The Alimony Process in Maryland

Alimony is decided as part of a divorce or separate maintenance action. The spouse seeking support must file a petition or include the request in the Complaint for Absolute Divorce. Both sides exchange financial information through discovery—tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, retirement account statements, and a detailed financial statement. If the parties cannot agree on alimony, the court holds a hearing. At the hearing, each side presents evidence about income, expenses, earning capacity, and the statutory factors. The judge then issues an order.

Maryland courts encourage settlement. Many alimony disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation before a hearing takes place. A written separation agreement that addresses alimony can be incorporated into the divorce decree, making it enforceable by the court. Modification of alimony is possible after the decree if a substantial change in circumstances occurs, such as a significant change in income of either party or the recipient’s remarriage.

How Our Firm Approaches Alimony Cases

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings experience to Maryland alimony matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys focus on building a clear, fact‑based presentation that addresses the statutory factors. We work with clients to gather the necessary financial documentation and analyze both spouses’ earning capacities. When appropriate, we consult vocational attorneys, accountants, or other professionals to support the client’s position. Whether the case settles or goes to trial, the goal is to obtain an outcome that reflects the client’s needs and the law’s requirements. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to alimony and family law matters. They handle cases in Maryland’s Circuit Courts and are familiar with the local procedures in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, and other jurisdictions. Every attorney works under the firm’s multi‑state footprint, allowing the team to address alimony issues that span more than one state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between rehabilitative and indefinite alimony in Maryland?

Rehabilitative alimony is temporary support designed to help a spouse become self-supporting, while indefinite alimony continues when the recipient cannot reasonably achieve self-sufficiency. The court decides which type fits the facts after reviewing the statutory factors. Rehabilitative awards typically have an end date or terminate upon completion of a training program. Indefinite alimony may end upon remarriage, death of either party, or a material change in circumstances.

Can alimony be modified after a divorce in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland law allows modification of alimony if the party seeking the change can prove a material change in circumstances since the last order. Common grounds include a substantial increase or decrease in either spouse’s income, involuntary job loss, or the recipient’s remarriage. The court may reduce, extend, or terminate the award. The party requesting modification must file a motion and present evidence at a hearing.

How does the court decide the amount of alimony?

The court weighs the statutory factors listed in Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8‑205, with particular attention to each spouse’s income, earning capacity, and needs. The judge considers the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, and each party’s contributions. There is no formula; the award is discretionary based on the evidence presented.

Do I have to pay alimony if my ex‑spouse is living with someone else?

Not necessarily, but cohabitation can be a ground for modification. Maryland courts may reduce or terminate alimony if the recipient is living with another person in a marriage‑like relationship that reduces the recipient’s financial need. The paying spouse must prove that the cohabitation constitutes a material change in circumstances.

Is alimony the same as child support?

No, alimony is spousal support paid by one spouse to the other, while child support is a separate obligation for the care of the couple’s minor children. Both can be ordered in the same divorce case, but they are calculated differently. Alimony is based on spousal need and ability to pay; child support follows the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. The existence of alimony may affect the guideline child support calculation.

Can alimony be awarded in a Maryland divorce case?

Yes, alimony is decided in an absolute divorce or a separate maintenance action. The three grounds for absolute divorce are mutual consent, six‑month separation, or irreconcilable differences. The court may award pendente lite alimony while the divorce is pending.

What if my spouse and I agree on alimony?

You can put your agreement in a written separation agreement, which the court can incorporate into the divorce decree. As long as the agreement is fair and voluntarily entered, the court generally will enforce it. Having an experienced family law attorney review the agreement helps ensure your rights are protected and that the terms are clear and enforceable.

How long does the alimony process take?

The timeline depends on whether the case is contested, the complexity of financial issues, and the court’s calendar. If both parties agree on alimony, the matter can be resolved when the divorce is finalized. Contested cases that require discovery, expert testimony, and a hearing typically take longer. An attorney can give you a more specific estimate once the facts of your case are known.

Will I have to go to court for an alimony determination?

Not always. Many alimony disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation without a hearing. If you and your spouse reach an agreement, the judge can approve it without a trial. If no agreement is possible, the court will hold a hearing where each side presents evidence. Your attorney will prepare you for the hearing and argue your position.

How does alimony affect taxes?

For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, alimony payments are not deductible by the payer and not taxable to the recipient under federal law. Maryland follows the federal treatment. It is important to structure alimony within the overall financial settlement with this tax treatment in mind. Always consult a tax professional for advice tailored to your situation.

For guidance on your specific alimony matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Maryland family law resources (official):
Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 7‑103 (divorce grounds) |
Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 8‑205 (alimony) |
Montgomery County District Court Directory

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