Serving Garden City, Long Island, and Queens, New York
When couples get divorced, it’s common for one spouse to receive spousal support from the other spouse. Spousal support, also referred to as alimony or maintenance, is awarded in order to ensure that both spouses are able to maintain a comparable lifestyle as they enjoyed during the marriage once the divorce is finalized. It’s also a way to give the spouse receiving maintenance time to obtain the education, training, and skills necessary to financially support themselves in situations where one spouse never worked.
In many situations, resolving disputes regarding the amount and duration of spousal support payments can be very contentious. Les Martin has 45 years of experience handling alimony disputes, he knows how the courts rule in these cases, and he can help you craft an agreement that reflects your best interests.
The best way to learn about your rights and options is to speak with Mr. Martin in person. Please call 516-222-0900 today to schedule a consultation at our Garden City law office.
Types of Spousal Support
In New York, there are two different types of spousal support that can be awarded by the court:
- Temporary maintenance
- Permanent maintenance
Temporary maintenance is awarded to provide support to the spouse in need of financial assistance while the divorce action is pending.
Permanent maintenance is awarded to provide support after the divorce has been finalized. Permanent maintenance can be received for a fixed period of time, or it can be awarded indefinitely. The duration of permanent maintenance will be determined based on the unique circumstances surrounding your case.
Factors Impacting Spousal Support
When determining the duration and amount of spousal support, the courts will consider the following factors:
- Relative incomes of each party
- Pre-separation lifestyle
- Outcome of property division agreement
- Length of marriage
- Number of children to be supported
- Present and future earning capacity of each party
- One spouse’s potential need to obtain education and training in order to become financially self-sufficient
Uncovering Hidden Assets
If you believe your spouse is hiding assets in order to lower monthly maintenance payments, Mr. Martin can help. He works with a team of private investigators and forensic accountants who can help uncover the assets being withheld by your spouse in order to ensure your maintenance award accurately reflects the financial circumstances of your ex-spouse.
Please contact Les Martin, Attorney at Law today to schedule your spousal support consultation. Mr. Martin serves clients in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens Counties, and all of New York City.