AlimonyCalvert CountyDivorceFamily LawSpousal Support Disputes in Prince Frederick: What Determines a Fair Alimony Award?

Spousal Support Lawyer Prince Frederick, MD | Haskell & Dyer

Alimony can be one of the most emotionally charged and financially significant issues in a divorce.

If you’re divorcing in Prince Frederick or Calvert County, you may be wondering:

Will I have to pay spousal support?

Am I entitled to receive it?

What’s considered fair under Maryland law?

At Haskell & Dyer, we help clients on both sides of the alimony conversation understand their rights, protect their financial futures, and fight for results that reflect what’s truly fair.

What Is Alimony?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a court-ordered financial arrangement in which one spouse provides financial assistance to the other after separation or divorce.

The goal is to help the receiving spouse maintain a standard of living similar to what they had during the marriage, at least in the short term.

There are three types of alimony in Maryland:

  • Pendente lite alimony – Temporary support during the divorce process

  • Rehabilitative alimony – Short-term support to help the recipient become self-sufficient

  • Indefinite alimony – Long-term or permanent support, awarded in rare cases

What Factors Determine Alimony in Maryland?

Unlike child support, there is no strict formula for calculating alimony in Maryland.

Instead, judges consider 13 different factors, including:

  • The length of the marriage
  • The income and earning capacity of each spouse
  • Age and physical/mental health of both spouses
  • The standard of living during the marriage
  • The contributions of each spouse (financial and non-financial)
  • Whether one spouse sacrificed a career for the family
  • The time needed for the recipient to become self-supporting
  • Any agreement between the spouses (such as a prenuptial)
  • Misconduct that led to the divorce (e.g., abuse, infidelity)

Because alimony is so subjective, having a strong legal advocate is critical.

Quote from Matthew J. Dyer, Esq.

“Judges don’t just look at paychecks—they look at the full story. We make sure your side is seen, heard, and respected in every argument for or against spousal support.”

Common Alimony Disputes We Handle in Prince Frederick

We represent both paying and receiving spouses, helping resolve disputes such as:

  • One spouse demanding alimony they don’t legally need
  • A spouse refusing to pay fair support
  • Requests for modification due to job loss or illness
  • Claims that a recipient isn’t making an effort to become self-sufficient
  • Enforcement actions for unpaid alimony
  • Termination of alimony when a spouse remarries or cohabitates

Whether you’re worried about overpaying or struggling to support yourself, we’re here to fight for a fair result.

Modifying or Ending Alimony Orders

Alimony isn’t always permanent. If either party’s circumstances change significantly, such as a new job, serious illness, or remarriage, the court may grant a modification or termination of the support order.

We can help you:

  • File for a modification in the Calvert County Circuit Court
  • Gather financial documentation
  • Argue for a fair adjustment in court
  • Defend against unsupported modification requests

Don’t leave your financial future to chance.

Let us fight for a spousal support arrangement that’s fair, lawful, and sustainable.

👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.

By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
Family Law AttorneyPrince George’s County

The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC Practicing Law in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s Counties.

The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC Practicing Law in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s Counties.

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