Minnesota Alimony Attorney

Legal Assistance with Alimony and Spousal Support

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is an arrangement made often through a prenuptial agreement or as part of divorce proceedings. It is a legally binding agreement which lays out specific payments to be made from the income or earnings of one party, in order to support the party following a divorce. In most cases, alimony will be granted to the spouse who is unable to support themselves in the manner they've become accustomed to, following the divorce.

Unlike many states, in Minnesota there is no specific number of years a couple must have been married in order for required alimony payments to be granted. That said, we understand the subject of alimony can be an extremely contentious topic in divorce proceedings. We also understand that the decision to award, or not award, alimony payments is one which must take many factors into consideration.

Whether or not one spouse is able to provide reasonable self-support or whether the other spouse has the means and ability to pay such support, are only two of the many factors which must be reviewed. If the court decides alimony should be awarded, the next question becomes "how much" and "for how long"?

A knowledgeable Minnesota divorce attorney at our firm can assist you in calculating whether there is a reasonable expectation that you will be awarded alimony or that you will be required to pay alimony. Some of the factors the court reviews when deciding to award alimony include:

What are the financial resources of the spouse seeking alimony and what is their ability to meet their own personal financial needs?
What standard of living was established during the marriage?
What kind of time and effort would be required to secure sufficient education or training which would allow the spouse seeking alimony to find meaningful employment and become fully self-supporting?
What kinds of additional employment opportunities are available?
Is there reasonable expectation this spouse could advance in their field in short order?
What is the age, physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking alimony?
What is the ability of the spouse, who is designated to pay the alimony, to be able to meet their own financial needs while also paying alimony?
How long had the couple been married?
If the spouse seeking alimony has been out of the working world, how long have they been out of their designated field? Would additional training be required for them to be able to go back into their field?
What was each spouse's contribution to the value of martial property? Consideration must be taken into account for the contribution of the spouse who was the homemaker.

Alimony Lawyer in Minnesota

If either you or a loved one has questions regarding alimony or spousal support, or you need a divorce appeals attorney who will be on your side, looking out for your best interests. We advise you to consult with one of our divorce lawyers immediately. At Heimerl & Landers, we know the impact alimony can have on your life and livelihood after divorce, and the attorneys at our firm take the time to thoroughly review your circumstances, advise you of your rights, and help you determine the best course of action for you. With many years of experience representing clients in all aspects of the divorce process, we are the firm you want representing you.

Whether you are being faced with paying alimony or with receiving alimony, you need to contact a Minnesota alimony lawyer at our firm immediately. We are on your side.