Spousal support, also known as alimony or maintenance, is the payment of money, or the transfer of assets from one spouse to another. Spousal support may be ordered by the court if a couple is living separate and apart, or getting a divorce.

Each claim for spousal support is decided on its unique set of circumstances. Spousal support may be ordered, for instance, to ensure that a certain standard of living is maintained. This is especially true where one spouse remained at home, for example, to raise children and take care of the home. This spouse may not have the training or job skills to obtain a job that would provide him or her with the standard of living he or she had while married.

Couples going through separation and/or divorce may be paralyzed by emotion and unable to communicate. In order to resolve the issues relevant to separation and/or divorce, communication is necessary. If a couple agrees to mediate, they can maintain control of the outcome of their conflict rather than leave the conflict to the decision of a stranger in a black robe.

When couples mediate and reach a fair agreement regarding spousal support, a judge will more than likely issue an Order granting the terms agreed upon by the couple. Couples who are separating and/or divorcing find it easier to live with a mediated agreement rather than a decision made by a judge.

Couples may need to vent their emotions in order to be able to negotiate. Divorce litigation often escalates existing hostility, especially related to financial matters such as spousal support. At the same time litigation increases hostilities, it does not allow for the expression of emotion.

Mediation provides a dignified alternative to litigation, allowing spouses to discuss issues such as spousal support. Mediation is financially and emotionally less expensive than litigation. Mediation allows for the expression of emotion without deteriorating into an emotional free-for-all. Mediation is confidential, unlike litigation. A mediator assists a separating and/or divorcing couple communicate and discuss all the issues relevant to separation and divorce, including spousal support.

You may take control of your destiny today. Md Mediator may schedule your mediation the same week you call. In the alternative, you will wait months to get into a court at which time you will surrender your conflict to the decision of a stranger.

Md Mediator proudly assists the people of Baltimore City, and the following Maryland counties: Anne Arundel; Baltimore; Carroll; Frederick; Harford; and Howard with issues related to separation and divorce, including, but not limited to, spousal support.

Contact Md Mediator at (410) 433-4040 or toll free (800) 701-4945.