We are Alimony/Spousal Maintenance Attorneys Serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley & the Greater Phoenix Area.
In Arizona, spousal maintenance, also called alimony or spousal support, refers to payments made by one spouse to the other during divorce proceedings and/or on an ongoing basis following a divorce or legal separation. The Court relies on the criteria set forth in A.R.S. §25-319 to determine who will pay, how much is paid, and for how long.
In July 2023, Arizona ushered in a significant change in family law with the implementation of new spousal maintenance guidelines. These guidelines represent a notable departure from the previous framework, offering a more structured and equitable approach to determining spousal support. They take into account a comprehensive range of factors, including the duration of the marriage, the financial resources and needs of each spouse, and any significant disparities in earning capacity. This shift towards a more transparent and objective system aims to bring greater consistency and fairness to spousal maintenance awards, ensuring that they better reflect the circumstances of the divorcing parties. By providing clearer guidelines for judges and attorneys, these new regulations are poised to reduce ambiguity and promote fairness in spousal support decisions across the state of Arizona, ultimately benefiting both the payor and recipient spouses. The new Spousal Maintenance Calculator is available here.
If an order for spousal maintenance is entered, it may be modifiable or non-modifiable (only upon agreement of the parties). A modifiable spousal maintenance award means that at some point after the entry of the spousal maintenance order an event or events may cause the paying spouse to request that the court order a reduction or termination of the alimony payments. On the other hand, the receiving spouse may need to maintain the alimony payments or continue the payments beyond the ordered date of termination. The modification of spousal maintenance requires a keen knowledge of the relevant case law and procedure.
At Sheldon & Stoutner our Scottsdale alimony lawyers have more than 30 years of combined experience practicing family law. We can help you understand how spousal maintenance is determined, whether it can be modified, and how the laws may affect you. Then we will advocate for your desired outcome in Court or through negotiations.
Sheldon & Stoutner will help you build your case, whether you are a higher-earning spouse looking to minimize your maintenance payments or pay no maintenance. Or, you are a lower-earning spouse who wishes to maintain your standard of living. We represent clients in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Surprise, Gilbert, Chandler, and throughout Maricopa County. We are ready to be your advocate.