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Phoenix Arizona Spousal Support Lawyer

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The amount and duration of the award of spousal support (alimony) is one of the hardest issues to predict in any family court case. Maricopa County Superior Court has guidelines to assist family court judges; however, they are just that — guidelines — and not the law. Some judges rely on them exclusively, while others ignore them entirely. Arizona law requires the judge to engage in a two-part process.

First, the family court judge must consider:

  • Property owned
  • Ability to achieve self-sufficiency in the future
  • Contribution to the educational opportunities of the other spouse
  • Duration of marriage as it relates to gaining adequate employment

Second, the family court judge must consider many other factors. Some of them include:

  • The standard of living established during the marriage
  • The duration of the marriage
  • The age, employment history and earning ability of the spouse seeking maintenance
  • The physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking maintenance
  • The comparative financial resources of the spouses, including their comparative earning abilities in the labor market
  • The extent to which the spouse seeking maintenance has reduced the other spouse's income or career opportunities for the benefit of that spouse
  • The ability of both parties, after the dissolution, to contribute to the future educational costs of their children
  • The time necessary to acquire education or training to enable the spouse seeking maintenance to find employment and whether such education or training is readily available

Although spousal support is difficult to predict, it does not mean that an experienced attorney cannot build a strong case. You have made an investment of time and energy into your marriage and family. Do not take that commitment lightly.

More information can be found in our FAQs section.

Let us be the positive, compassionate and fully focused counsel you need to get you through your family law matter or challenge. With an office in the Ahwatukee Foothills, we serve Phoenix and Maricopa County families with skill and empathy. Call The Law Firm of Michael J. Shew, Ltd., at 888-866-8523 or contact us online.