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Towson Divorce Lawyer | Alimony.

BALTIMORE COUNTY FAMILY LAWYER WITH DEEP ALIMONY EXPERIENCE

Amar S. Weisman is an award-winning divorce lawyer named by EXPERTISE.COM as one of the Top 12 Baltimore Divorce Lawyers; Attorney and Practice Magazine rated the Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman as a Top 10 in Family Law, 2019-2023; and by American Institute of Legal Counsel as Top 10 in Client Satisfaction for Family Law, 2016-2023; 10/10 Avvo and 9.7/10 by Google. During his sixteen-year career, Mr. Weisman has acquired a wealth of experience developing evidence-rich alimony cases for clients seeking and defending alimony claims.  

 

Understanding Alimony and Spousal Support in Maryland and Baltimore County

In Maryland, particularly in Baltimore County, alimony and spousal support issues are primarily addressed by the Circuit Court. These decisions are deeply rooted in equity and fairness, ensuring that the financially dependent spouse receives necessary support from the primary wage earner both during and after the divorce process. This support aims to balance financial disparities that might arise post-divorce.

Types of Alimony in Maryland

Maryland recognizes three main types of alimony: Temporary/Pendente Lite Alimony, Rehabilitative Alimony, and Indefinite Alimony. Each type serves a specific purpose:

  • Temporary/Pendente Lite Alimony** is awarded during the divorce proceedings.
  • Rehabilitative Alimony aims to support a spouse until they can become self-sufficient.
  • Indefinite Alimony may be granted when the disparity in earning capacity is unlikely to change significantly over time.

Factors Influencing Alimony Decisions in Baltimore County

The Circuit Court considers several factors when determining alimony in Baltimore County, including:

  • The duration of the marriage.
  • The financial abilities of the primary wage earner.
  • The financial needs and lifestyle of the dependent spouse.
  • The degree of financial disparity between the spouses.
  • Specific reasons behind the divorce.

Judges and magistrates in Maryland are granted considerable discretion to evaluate each case individually, although appellate review of these decisions is generally limited. This highlights the importance of effectively managing an alimony case from its initiation through to the final decision or the last payment to ensure a favorable outcome.

Amar S. Weisman's Approach to Alimony Cases in Maryland

When Amar S. Weisman takes on a new alimony case in Maryland, the process begins with a thorough document assembly to paint a detailed picture of the financial backgrounds of both spouses. This includes an analysis of work histories, spending habits, and educational and professional qualifications essential for understanding the couple's standard of living prior to their separation.

Document Collection and Client Consultations

The core of Weisman’s method involves collecting crucial financial documents such as tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, records from any marital businesses, and details of credit card expenditures. This comprehensive data collection helps determine the dependent spouse's financial needs at different stages: short-term, medium-term, and long-term.

Understanding the Standard of Living and Future Employability

Multiple client interviews are conducted to assess the standard of living established during the marriage and to gauge the future employability of the dependent spouse. These interviews are critical as they help Amar S. Weisman tailor his approach to each unique case, ensuring that all relevant factors are considered in the pursuit of a fair alimony arrangement.

 

THE LONG-FORM FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

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Navigating the Long-Form Financial Statement in Alimony Cases

The Long-Form Financial Statement is crucial in every alimony case, serving as the core document submitted by both the Plaintiff and the Defendant. Completing this form is challenging due to its complexity; it features over 100 expense categories, many of which overlap, and requires meticulous distinction between personal expenses and those related to children.

Common Errors and Their Impact

A common mistake made by more than 90% of parties is calculating expenses based on a 4-week month instead of accounting for the actual average of 4.3 weeks per month. This error can significantly distort the financial analysis, potentially affecting the outcomes of alimony determinations.

Detailed Expense and Income Analysis

The form demands a detailed breakdown of all expenses, many of which have not been updated for decades. It includes a comprehensive list of income sources and deductions, such as federal and state taxes, Medicare, union dues, retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums. The accuracy of these entries is paramount, as they play a critical role in assessing financial needs and capabilities.

Assets and Liabilities Assessment

Additionally, the statement requires a listing of all assets and liabilities, including the fair market value of vehicles and the current value of bank and retirement accounts. Round numbers or estimations are discouraged, as they can signal a lack of thoroughness. Amar S. Weisman, in particular, views such oversimplifications as indications of a weak case preparation.

The Importance of Precision and Honesty

Every Financial Statement must be signed under penalty of perjury, underscoring the necessity for precision and honesty in reporting. When Amar S. Weisman encounters a financial statement filled with rounded figures, it often signifies an inadequate attempt to represent financial realities.

 

SUBPOENAS ARE NECESSARY TO AUTHENTICATE EVIDENCE IN ALIMONY CLAIMS

Appearing in Court with Tax Returns, Bank Statements, and Credit Card terms that were printed and generated by the Client will work out terribly in a serious alimony claim before a Magistrate or Judge is determined to apply the rules of evidence. In order to ensure that the documents can be authenticated and admitted into evidence, it is best to serve the accountant, bank, credit card company, and employer with a Subpoena and Notice to Take Deposition Duces Tecum via Private Process and receive all requested documents with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the corporation’s custodian records. There is no point in gathering evidence and “brainstorming” if your documents are unfit for admission for evidence because you were too lazy, too cheap, and/or too overwhelmed to properly get the evidence from the source and submit it with the certificate of authenticity as required by the rules of evidence. All records necessary to verify all expenses, income, assets, and liabilities on the financial statement should be acquired and presented to the Court in an organized manner. Amar S. Weisman has learned that alimony cases are usually won by the party that works harder preparing and presenting his or her case. 

INDEFINITE ALIMONY AND ALIMONY MODIFICATION 

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Understanding Indefinite Alimony in Maryland and Baltimore County

Indefinite alimony is a significant and complex form of spousal support, especially relevant in Maryland and Baltimore County. It's designed to continue until the recipient's death unless substantial life changes justify its modification. This type of alimony plays a critical role when one spouse cannot realistically achieve an income sufficient to support the lifestyle they were accustomed to during their marriage in Maryland.

Purpose and Considerations of Indefinite Alimony in Baltimore County

The primary goal of indefinite alimony in Baltimore County is to prevent a severe disparity in living standards post-divorce. It reflects concerns that a financially dependent spouse might always earn significantly less than the other, thus requiring sustained support to maintain a similar lifestyle to that experienced during their marriage within this specific locality.

Challenges in Managing Indefinite Alimony Claims in Maryland

Managing indefinite alimony claims in Maryland requires careful oversight and can frequently lead to further litigation. This is particularly true in Baltimore County, where life events such as illness, job loss, or retirement may compel the paying spouse to seek a reduction or termination of alimony payments. These adjustments are crucial to reflect fair and current financial capacities in this region.

Financial Implications for the Payer in Baltimore County

For those obligated to pay indefinite alimony in Baltimore County, the financial commitment can feel akin to an endless responsibility, much like continuously paying off an expensive, totaled car. This ongoing financial burden underlines the importance of legal guidance to navigate potential modifications based on life changes.

TERMS OF REPRESENTATION FOR DIVORCE MATTERS INVOLVING ALIMONY 

Clients are required to pay an initial retainer when Amar S. Weisman begins representation, and the payment is for future legal services billed hourly against the retainer. The retainer is like a phone card where the minutes belong to the client until they are used. The retainer that Amar S. Weisman charges at the beginning of a divorce case ranges from $3,500.00 to $7,500.00, or more, depending on the complexity of the case. Cases involving alimony are usually complex. The Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman does not accept pro bono clients because you should not pay more, so nobody else can pay anything. 

Call 410-321-4994 To Meet With Towson Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Amar S. Weisman.

Please call 410-321-4994 during business hours to schedule a free consultation to discuss whether you would like to retain Amar S. Weisman's legal services. Please note that our firm does not accept pro bono clients at this time. To secure legal services and receive advice, a retainer fee is required, and you can refer to our Policy on Fees/Costs for more details. Our law firm is conveniently located in the heart of Towson, close to prominent landmarks such as The Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Towson Town Center, Goucher College, and Towson University. You can find us at 1018 Dulaney Valley Road (MD-146), Second Floor, Towson, MD 21204 We proudly serve clients throughout the Baltimore area, including Aberdeen, Abingdon, Baldwin, Bel Air, Bowleys Quarters, Brooklandville, Carney, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Edgewood, Essex, Garrison, Glen Arm, Greenspring Valley, Homeland, Hunt Valley, Hydes, the Joppa Road Corridor, Kingsville, Long Green, Lutherville, Middle River, Nottingham, Owings Mills, Parkville, Pikesville, Perry Hall, Reisterstown, Riderwood, Rodgers Forge, Rosedale, Ruxton, Sparks, Sparrows Point, Stoneleigh, Timonium, Towson, West Towson, White Hall, White Marsh, and the York Road corridor. We have also provided legal representation to out-of-state clients. However, please be aware that our law firm does not guarantee specific outcomes in any legal matter.

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