Resolution Through Negotiation

Family law and child custody representation in Minnesota's Twin Cities.

Understanding How Alimony Works

Spousal support is not a punitive measure. Minnesota spousal maintenance is designed to ensure that when a marriage ends, both partners can maintain a standard of living that is somewhat similar to what existed before the divorce.

Unlike child support, which is based on a strict and straightforward formula, spousal maintenance is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking various elements of the situation into account. These include:

  • How long the marriage lasted
  • The established quality of life within the marriage
  • The age and health status of both partners
  • The financial resources and obligations of both partners
  • The financial or educational prospects of the partner who is seeking support

Finding Common Ground In Alimony Issues

At the law office of Janet L. Goehle, Attorney at Law, in St. Paul, Minnesota, I take a similar approach to settling spousal support matters as I do with child custody and parenting time issues: The more common ground you are able to find with your spouse, the more control you maintain throughout the process.

The court can award either temporary or permanent spousal maintenance. Permanent support is less common and happens most often in long-term marriages. Temporary support provides financial support that allows one party to pay their bills for a period of time necessary for them to either go back to school or gain the work experience they need to be able to become financially independent.

As a Minnesota family law lawyer with three decades of experience, I help you minimize the unpredictable world of spousal support by reaching agreements through honest communication and compromise. I can also help you obtain alimony modifications when changes impact the amount of support that is necessary.

The Answers You Need For The Questions You Face

If you have questions about spousal support, you can meet with me in a free initial consultation. Call 651-243-6005 locally or toll-free at 800-598-6990. You can also email my office to schedule an appointment with an experienced St. Paul alimony attorney who will answer your questions with the knowledge that is based on over 30 years of experience.