In the state of New York, the courts can award maintenance to one spouse. Maintenance, also referred to as “alimony” and “spousal support”, is presented in the form of a monetary payment from one spouse to another. Either spouse, male or female, can be ordered to pay maintenance to their spouse by the court. The monetary payment can be awarded over time or in one large sum. Spousal support is important as it provides adequate income for a spouse who was dependent on their husband or wife.

If you are going through a divorce, and support is an issue, contact the Law Offices of Brian D. Perskin. Our team of skilled attorneys specializes in spousal support cases. We will develop a legal strategy that will help you win your case.

The court has broad discretion to award any amount of money that is necessary for the support of the recipient spouse as long as the court’s decision is based on the facts and the circumstances existing at the time the award is granted. The facts are integral and carefully reviewed. The judge will examine the following before awarding spousal support:

• The length of the marriage
• The conduct of the parties during the marriage
• Age and health of the parties
• Occupations of the parties and their incomes
• Sources of income
• Vocational skills and employability of the spouses
• Assets and debts of the parties
• Any special needs of the parties
• The opportunity of the parties to acquire future income and assets

In New York, there are three types of spousal support: permanent, rehabilitative, and restitutional.

Permanent Alimony is a payment for things such as food, housing, clothing, and other provisions of a spouse. If a spouse is requesting permanent alimony, they must prove their need of support. Permanent alimony, once awarded, remains in effect indefinitely or until there is a change in circumstances, which may lead to a review of the arrangement.

Rehabilitative Alimony is a payment designed to provide the necessary support to enable a spouse to refresh or develop job skills that will allow them to secure a vocation. This is a common form of alimony and it is temporary.

Restitutional Alimony is a repayment of support given to a spouse while they were pursuing their education or enhancing vocational skills. Restitutional alimony is temporary.

Spousal support is often times the most difficult situation to deal with in the divorce process because it affects the current and future lifestyles of both spouses. No one wants to be hindered financially by the payment or lack of alimony. If you are encountering problems with spousal support, contact the Law Offices of Brian D. Perskin. We will represent you and aggressively fight the financial limitations that spousal support often presents.