Alimony or spousal support involves structured payments made to balance financial circumstances when couples divorce. Alimony can last for a set amount of time after the end of a marriage. It can help one spouse redevelop their career so that they can support themselves.
The family courts in Maryland have the authority to order multiple different types of alimony as they deem necessary after reviewing marital circumstances. For some couples, judges order pendente lite alimony shortly after either spouse files for divorce.
What is the function of this unique form of alimony?
The goal is to maintain the status quo
The courts can use alimony to make the final outcome of a divorce more reasonable and fair. They can also order alimony payments during the divorce to allow one spouse to pay basic cost-of-living expenses, such as maintaining the family home, before the marriage officially ends.
The primary purpose of pendente lite alimony is to provide temporary financial support for a lower-earning or dependent spouse for the duration of the divorce. It helps bridge the gap between the financial support received before separating from a spouse and any final financial determination made by the judge hearing the divorce case.
When a lengthy absence from the workforce, medical challenges or responsibility for children interferes with an adult’s ability to support themselves during this divorce, a judge may order pendente lite alimony. Doing so helps to ensure they can maintain the status quo until the courts finalize the divorce and establish more permanent financial arrangements.
Spouses concerned about affording basic necessities may need help putting together the paperwork necessary to request pendente lite alimony when they initially file for divorce or respond to a spouse’s divorce petition, and that’s okay. Learning more about the different types of alimony available can help people pursue the financial support they need during and after a divorce.
