Spousal Maintenance Lawyer in Tucson
Relentless Alimony Attorneys Serving Pima County
In Arizona, the monetary support that an individual pays to a former spouse following a divorce, and sometimes during the divorce process, is called spousal maintenance. In other states, and colloquially in Arizona, spousal maintenance is also known as alimony, spousal support, or simply maintenance. In most cases, spousal maintenance is intended to provide a pathway for the financially dependent or lower-earning spouse to acquire the professional training or education necessary to reasonably provide for themselves.
Since we opened our doors, our Tucson alimony attorneys here at McNorton Fox PLLC have helped our clients pursue spousal maintenance resolutions that protect their financial well-being. We can do the same for you by personally guiding you through Arizona’s alimony laws and working with you to determine how these laws apply to your specific situation. We can also represent your financial interests during mediation and in court, if necessary.
Call McNorton Fox PLLC today at (520) 415-2970 to schedule an appointment or tell our Tucson alimony attorneys about your situation using our contact form.
Alimony in Pima County
Spousal maintenance is one of those items that is commonly litigated in mediation or divorce proceedings. Potential items that divorcing parties can dispute are the necessity of maintenance, the amount of support, and the duration of payments. Divorcing spouses must agree on these items, or they will need to be resolved in court.
Qualifying for Spousal Maintenance in Arizona
Spousal maintenance is not a factor in all divorces, but it’s typically considered when dissolving marriages that involve a financially dependent spouse or a spouse that makes a relatively low income.
According to Arizona law (rev. stat. §25-319a), a court will grant spousal maintenance if the requesting party meets any of the following conditions:
- They do not have the assets required to reasonably provide for themselves.
- They either are not self-sufficient through their own employment, lack adequate earning ability in the current labor market, or are unable to seek employment because of reasonable parental duties.
- They made significant contributions (monetary and non-monetary) to the career advancement, educational or professional training, or earning ability of their spouse.
- Had a long marriage and will have difficulty finding gainful employment due to their age.
- Has significantly reduced their own earning potential and career advancement for their spouse’s benefit.
Our spousal maintenance attorneys in Tucson can give you a better idea of how Arizona’s alimony statutes apply to your situation. Call us at (520) 415-2970 or message us to discuss your situation.
Common Mistakes When Seeking Alimony in Arizona
Navigating the complexities of spousal maintenance can be challenging, and many individuals inadvertently make mistakes that may affect their case. Here are four of the most common errors to avoid when seeking alimony in Arizona:
- Failing to Gather Sufficient Financial Documentation: One of the critical aspects of seeking alimony is providing comprehensive financial evidence to support your claim. Many individuals neglect to compile detailed records of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, which can weaken their position in negotiating support.
- Overlooking the Importance of Legal Representation: Attempting to navigate the spousal support process without an attorney can lead to significant pitfalls. Many people underestimate the complexity of Arizona's alimony laws and may miss critical deadlines or fail to properly present their case, resulting in unfavorable outcomes.
- Assuming Spousal Maintenance is Guaranteed: It’s a common misconception that spousal maintenance will automatically be granted in all cases. Many individuals overlook the eligibility criteria outlined in Arizona law, which can lead to unnecessary disappointment and confusion during the divorce process.
- Neglecting to Prepare for Mediation or Court Hearings: Going into mediation or court unprepared can significantly diminish your chances of receiving the alimony you seek. Many people do not adequately prepare their arguments or understand the factors influencing the court's decision, such as the length of the marriage or contributions made to their spouse’s career, which can critically impact the outcome.
By being aware of these mistakes and taking the necessary steps to address them, individuals can strengthen their chances of attaining a fair and just spousal maintenance agreement in Arizona.
Understanding the Alimony Process in Arizona
Navigating the complexities of alimony can be daunting, especially during an emotionally charged time like a divorce. At McNorton Fox, we believe that knowledge is power. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through each step of the alimony process, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
- Initial Consultation: We begin with a thorough review of your financial situation and marital circumstances, allowing us to tailor our approach to your unique needs.
- Negotiation: Our skilled negotiators work diligently to reach a fair settlement, advocating for your best interests while maintaining a focus on amicable resolutions.
- Legal Representation: If negotiations do not yield satisfactory results, our attorneys are prepared to represent you in court, fighting for a fair alimony arrangement.
- Modification and Enforcement: Life changes, and so can alimony agreements. We assist clients in seeking modifications or enforcing existing orders when necessary.
With McNorton Fox by your side, you can feel confident that you have a dedicated team advocating for your financial well-being. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.
To speak with our experienced Tucson alimony lawyers, give us a call at (520) 415-2970 or contact us online today.
Amount and Duration of Alimony
Because spousal maintenance is intended to support a spouse while they equip themselves to be self-sufficient, spousal maintenance typically extends only for a limited period. However, there are circumstances that can merit spousal maintenance to continue indefinitely.
Some of the factors that Arizona courts consider when determining spousal maintenance include (rev. stat. §25-319b):
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Length of the marriage
- Age, physical condition, and emotional condition
- Available financial resources, employment history, and earning potential
- Ability to provide monetary support
- Disparities in income and earning potential
- Former financial contributions and reductions to one’s own career advancement
- Ability to financially provide for mutual children
- The necessity of educational or professional training and the reasonable length of time needed to acquire it
- Changes to health insurance expenses following the divorce
- The distribution of property following divorce
Some counties have issued formulas to help spouses and their lawyers determine the amount and duration of spousal maintenance payments. However, these formulas are not legally sanctioned and can be challenged in court. They are best used only as references, if at all.
Maximizing Your Alimony Award
Going through a divorce can be challenging, especially when it comes to determining spousal maintenance. However, with the right legal representation, you can ensure that your alimony award is fair and just. At McNorton Fox, our experienced Tucson alimony attorneys will work tirelessly to maximize your alimony award by:
- Thoroughly evaluating your financial situation
- Providing expert guidance on the factors that determine alimony in Arizona
- Advocating for your rights and needs in court
- Negotiating with your spouse's legal team to reach a favorable settlement
- Exploring alternative options to alimony, such as lump sum payments or property division
Our goal is to ensure that you receive the financial support you need to move forward with your life after divorce. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled Tucson alimony attorneys.
Our spousal maintenance attorneys in Tucson can give you a better idea of how Arizona’s alimony statutes apply to your situation. Call us at (520) 415-2970 or message us to discuss your situation.
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