St. Charles Alimony/Spousal Maintenance Lawyers
When facing the challenges of alimony or spousal maintenance in Missouri, working with an attorney is crucial. Determining the right type and amount of support requires a careful review of finances, property and the circumstances of the marriage. A skilled lawyer helps ensure your rights are protected and that any agreements or court orders reflect your best interests.
At Boehmer Law, we serve clients throughout St. Charles with a team of accomplished attorneys. Our firm has earned recognition from the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, maintains a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating and holds the American Academy of Trial Lawyers Premier designation. We combine years of trial experience with a deep understanding of Missouri family law to handle spousal maintenance and alimony matters with precision.
Types Of Spousal Maintenance Available In Missouri
Missouri law provides several forms of spousal maintenance, each designed to meet different circumstances:
- Temporary maintenance: This support is provided during the divorce process to help a spouse cover essential living expenses until a final judgment is made.
- Durational maintenance: Offered for a set period, durational maintenance depends on the length of the marriage and the financial situation of both parties.
- Indefinite or ongoing maintenance: In certain cases, long-term support may be awarded, often when the marriage was lengthy and one spouse cannot become self-sufficient.
Calculating spousal maintenance in Missouri involves multiple factors, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning potential and contributions to the marriage. Courts also consider property division and any child support obligations.
Our St. Charles attorney can help ensure all of these elements are carefully evaluated to determine an appropriate amount.
Modification And Termination Of Spousal Maintenance
Spousal support is not always permanent. Changes in circumstances may justify modification or ending maintenance, such as:
- Remarriage
- Change in income
- Retirement
As a Missouri spousal maintenance attorney, we represent clients in these situations, helping ensure the process is fair and consistent with state law. Whether filing to adjust or terminate support, having a skilled St. Charles spousal support attorney is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about spousal maintenance, either during a divorce or after it has been finalized. If you do, our experienced team is here to provide answers.
How is spousal maintenance calculated in St. Charles, Missouri?
There is no strict mathematical formula used for alimony in Missouri in the same way there is for child support. Instead, courts across St. Charles County use a two-step process governed by Section 452.335 RSMo. The court can determine a just and fair amount and duration for alimony based on various factors. These include the marital property divided during the divorce, whether one spouse is unable to support themselves due to a lack of appropriate employment or child custody obligations, the standard of living established while the couple was married, the comparative earning capacity that each spouse holds, any financial obligations they have, their age and physical condition, the length of the marriage and other relevant factors.
Can I get temporary alimony while my St. Charles divorce is still pending?
Yes, under Missouri law, there is a type of spousal maintenance known as Maintenance Pendente Lite (PDL). The law recognizes that a divorce case itself can take months before it concludes, and that a person who was counting on their spouse for financial support may need that support during the divorce process. This type of maintenance may be ordered until the divorce is finalized, when it could be replaced with a more long-term form of spousal maintenance if appropriate.
What is the difference between “modifiable” and “nonmodifiable” maintenance?
In some cases, the court will authorize modifiable maintenance, which means that it can be increased, decreased, extended or terminated based on changing circumstances. In other cases, the divorce order is nonmodifiable, meaning that it applies for the entire duration regardless of remarriage, employment changes and other such factors. The court does have the option to include a termination date with a spousal maintenance order.
If you have further questions or if you are navigating a dispute, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced legal team.
Secure Your St. Charles Spousal Maintenance Outcome Today
At Boehmer Law, our attorneys in St. Charles, Missouri, are ready to handle negotiations or litigation of your case. Get started by calling 636-549-8300. Our St. Charles alimony lawyer can help you protect your rights and achieve a fair resolution. Se habla Español.