Scottsdale Spousal Maintenance & Alimony Attorneys

Helping Clients Obtain the Best Outcome for Their Situation

During your divorce, the decisions made about spousal maintenance can impact your financial future for years to come. Whether you are negotiating an out-of-court settlement with your spouse or a judge is deciding your arrangement for you, having qualified and experienced legal representation can help you to protect your interests.

At Singer Pistiner, PC., our Scottsdale alimony lawyers can provide a personalized, simple, and quick approach to assisting you throughout your spousal maintenance concerns. Contact us today to speak with an experienced spousal support attorney in Scottsdale!

Call (480) 418-7011 today to schedule your free consultation with our alimony attorneys in Scottsdale, AZ. You can also contact us online.

Arizona Laws on Spousal Maintenance

A.R.S. §25-319 of the Arizona Code specifies when a court should grant spousal maintenance or alimony to a spouse during a divorce.

Under This Law, the Court May Order Spousal Support if One Spouse:

• Lacks sufficient property, including property received in the divorce settlement, to meet his or her reasonable needs.
• Is not able to become self-supporting through appropriate employment.
• Lacks the earning ability in the labor market to become self-supporting.
• Is caring for a child whose age or condition means that the caregiver shouldn’t get a job outside of the house.
• Contributed to the educational and career opportunities of the other spouse.
• Had a marriage of long duration and is now too old to enter the labor market and get a job to become self-sufficient.

Evidence Must Be Provided 

Some of these factors are subjective issues. The person seeking support would need to demonstrate that his or her child requires in-home care or that they are not able to get a job that would pay enough to live on. The spouse who claims to have supported the education and career of the other may also need to provide proof of the extent of his contribution.

The more evidence you have to support your position and the more compelling the arguments, the greater the chance will be that the judge sides with you on the issue of spousal support. Spouses both arguing for and against required spousal maintenance need to have their own experienced Scottsdale alimony lawyer who is prepared and ready to help them make their case.

How Is Alimony Determined in Arizona?

The same Arizona law also specifies the factors to consider in determining the amount of spousal maintenance to be paid.

Factors Determining the Amount of Spousal Maintenance, Include:

• The standard of living that was established while the couple was married.
• How long the marriage lasted.
• The age of the spouse seeking support.
• The earning ability, as well as the physical and emotional condition, of the spouse seeking maintenance.
• The ability of the spouse who would pay maintenance to provide for themselves and their ex-spouse.
• The comparative earning potential and financial resources of each spouse.
• The contributions the spouse seeking maintenance has made to the paying spouse, as well as the extent to which the recipient spouse’s own career potential has been reduced because of sacrifices made to support his/her husband or wife’s career.
• The ability of both spouses to contribute support to their shared children after divorce.
• Financial resources of the spouse who is seeking maintenance, including assets and money awarded in the divorce.
• The amount of time that would be necessary for the recipient spouse to earn education and training and become self-supporting.
• Whether either spouse has wasted or hidden marital property.
• The cost of health insurance for both spouses.
• Damages and costs from criminal convictions of either spouse in which the other spouse or the child was a victim.

Couples may also come to an agreement on spousal support on their own without putting the issue before a judge. However, before agreeing on any proposed divorce settlement, you should have a Scottsdale alimony attorney review it to ensure it is fair and reasonable under the law.

What are the Types of Alimony an Spouse Can Receive?

It's crucial to understand the various types of alimony that may be applicable to your situation. Each type serves a specific purpose and can significantly impact your financial future. At Singer Pistiner, PC., our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the nuances of alimony in Arizona.

Here are the main types of alimony you might encounter:

• Temporary Alimony: This type is awarded during the divorce process to provide financial support until a final decision is made.
• Rehabilitative Alimony: Designed to support a spouse in becoming self-sufficient, this alimony type is typically awarded for a limited time while the recipient gains education or job training.
• Permanent Alimony: Often granted in long-term marriages, this type of support continues indefinitely or until the recipient remarries or passes away.
• Lump-Sum Alimony: Instead of ongoing payments, this option provides a one-time payment, which can be beneficial for both parties in certain circumstances.

Our team at Singer Pistiner, PC., is dedicated to helping you navigate these complexities and secure the financial support you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation!

The Process of Determining Spousal Support in Arizona

Here’s how the process for determining alimony typically unfolds:

• Filing for Divorce: Alimony discussions often begin when one spouse files for divorce, stating their need for financial support.
• Discovery Phase: Both parties will exchange financial information, including income statements, tax returns, and other relevant documents. This process is crucial for establishing a clear picture of each spouse's financial situation.
• Negotiation: In many cases, spouses can negotiate alimony terms outside of court. Mediation can be a helpful tool for reaching a mutually agreeable solution without the stress of litigation.
• Court Hearing: If negotiations fail, the case may go to court, where each spouse will present their case regarding spousal support. The judge will consider the evidence presented and make a decision based on state laws and the factors mentioned above.
• Modification and Enforcement: Once alimony is awarded, circumstances can change. Either spouse may request a modification if there is a significant change in financial circumstances, such as job loss or a substantial increase in income. Additionally, if a spouse fails to pay the awarded alimony, enforcement actions may be necessary.

Experienced in Spousal Maintenance Matters

Singer Pistiner, PC. has extensive experience representing clients on divorce and family law issues, including matters related to spousal maintenance in Arizona. Our Scottsdale spousal maintenance attorneys can help you to protect your financial future.

When you have family problems that require the help of skilled Scottsdale divorce attorneys, call Singer Pistiner, PC. We offer decades of experience to give you the compassionate representation you deserve throughout the duration of your legal proceedings. 

With our team on your side, you can count on dedicated representation committed to helping you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation. 

Call (480) 418-7011 today or fill out this online form to speak with our alimony lawyers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Commonly Asked Questions

How Much Alimony Does a Wife Get in Arizona?

In Arizona, there isn't a specific percentage formula for calculating alimony, as the amount awarded varies significantly based on individual circumstances. However, some general guidelines suggest that spousal support might range from 20% to 30% of the higher-earning spouse's income, depending on factors like the length of the marriage, the standard of living, and each spouse's financial situation. 

What Disqualifies You From Alimony in Arizona?

Several factors can disqualify or reduce a spouse's eligibility for alimony in Arizona, including remarriage, self-sufficiency, marital misconduct such as infidelity (although is not always a disqualifying factor).

Is Alimony Automatic in Arizona?

No, alimony is not automatic in Arizona. It is determined on a case-by-case basis during divorce proceedings. One spouse must request alimony, and the court will consider various factors before making a decision. Both parties have the opportunity to present evidence and arguments regarding the necessity and amount of alimony.

How Do I Avoid Alimony in Arizona?

To avoid alimony in Arizona, consider engaging in a negotiation. This may involve other forms of settlement, such as asset division. Also, you can demonstrating that your ex spouse can support themselves financially. Addressing the length of marriage, especially with shorter marriages, often result in less likelihood of alimony being awarded.