Spousal Maintenance: Alimony in Minnesota

Jeddeloh Snyder Stommes’ Attorneys are Experts in spousal maintenance agreements

What is Spousal Maintenance?

Formerly referred to as alimony, spousal maintenance is the payment from the income or earnings to support the other spouse. The spousal maintenance (alimony) is awarded to the lesser-earning party. One of the key considerations in awarding spousal maintenance is the parties’ standard of living during their marriage. Other factors that may be considered are the length of the marriage, the earning capabilities and possibly the age of the spouse asking for spousal maintenance, and the income and expenses of both parties. An award of spousal maintenance can be temporary or permanent. An award of spousal maintenance also can be modified and, in some cases, terminated.
Breakup marriage couple with divorce certification

 The Amount Determined

There are various factors the court considers in deciding the amount to be paid as spousal maintenance. The payment must be affordable for the payor but still assist the recipient financially. Important factors include:

  • the amount necessary to live
  • income already available
  • the possibility of earning income in the future

The length of time spousal maintenance shall be paid can also vary based on these factors.

Determination of spousal maintenance in Minnesota

Factors to Consider for Spousal Maintenance

  • The parties’ standard of living during their marriage
  • The length of the marriage and, in the case of a homemaker, the contributions to the marriage of the homemaker and the employment opportunities forgone by the homemaker during the marriage.
  • The party’s financial resources seeking spousal maintenance, including the property awarded to that spouse in the divorce. The age and the physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking maintenance, and the ability of that spouse to become self-supporting, including following education or training.
  • The spouse’s ability from whom maintenance is sought to meet their own needs while paying spousal maintenance to the former spouse.

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Divorce & Family Law - Cases We Handle

We can help with any of the following:

  • Contested Divorce
  • Uncontested Divorce
  • Spousal Maintenance
  • Child Custody
  • Custody Agreements
  • Child Support
  • Parenting Time
  • Motion to Custody
  • Motion to Modify Parenting Time
  • Motion to Move out of State
  • Motion to Modify Child Support
  • Motion to Modify Spousal Maintenance
  • Property and Debt Division
  • Post-Decree Motions
  • Child Protection
  • Paternity
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Adoption
  • Grandparent Rights
  • Trials and Court Hearings
  • Divorce and Family Law Appeals

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