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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

Amar S. Weisman’s alimony strategy is rooted in thorough preparation and a deep understanding of Maryland law. In Maryland (and particularly in Baltimore County), alimony cases are handled by the Circuit Court under principles of equity – the goal is a fair result so neither party faces financial ruin post-divorce . Maryland law (Md. Code, Family Law § 11-106) requires judges to weigh numerous factors when deciding alimony, including each spouse’s ability to be self-supporting, the time needed for the dependent spouse to get education or training, the standard of living during the marriage, the marriage’s length, each party’s contributions to the family, their ages and health, and the financial resources of both sides . Mr. Weisman makes it a priority to highlight these factors with evidence. For example, if one spouse sacrificed a career to raise children, he will document that contribution; if job training could help the dependent spouse, he will address how long that might take. He also evaluates whether indefinite alimony is on the table – Maryland permits indefinite (open-ended) alimony only in special cases, such as when a spouse can’t reasonably become self-supporting due to age or illness, or when even after rehabilitation the disparity in living standards would be unconscionably large . From day one, Mr. Weisman’s focus is on building a case that aligns with these legal factors and realities of the marriage.

This experienced Towson-based attorney knows that thorough case management from the start is critical. Maryland judges have broad discretion in alimony matters, and appeals rarely overturn their decisions . In other words, you typically get one good chance to make your case. Drawing on over sixteen years of family law experience (including many cases representing both alimony recipients and payors), Mr. Weisman has learned that outcomes often favor the side that prepares the hardest . He approaches each alimony case methodically: no shortcuts, no generic arguments. Instead, he develops an evidence-rich presentation tailored to your circumstances . While no attorney can guarantee results, Mr. Weisman’s diligent preparation is aimed at putting you in the best possible position to achieve a fair outcome under Maryland law.

Document Collection and Client Consultations

A cornerstone of Mr. Weisman’s approach is early and thorough document collection. When he takes on a new alimony matter, the process begins with assembling all relevant financial documents from both spouses . This typically includes tax returns, W-2s and pay stubs, bank and brokerage statements, credit card statements, mortgage and rent records, business financial records for any family businesses, and documentation of major expenses . By combing through these records, Mr. Weisman pieces together a detailed picture of the marital finances – past and present. This comprehensive data collection helps him pinpoint the dependent spouse’s financial needs in the short-term, mid-term, and long-term . For instance, he will calculate immediate expenses (housing, utilities, groceries, etc.), projected costs like education or re-training periods, and long-range needs such as retirement security. Multiple client interviews are also conducted to understand the couple’s standard of living during the marriage and the dependent spouse’s future employability . These conversations ensure that no aspect of the couple’s lifestyle or earning potential is overlooked. By understanding details like spending habits and career backgrounds, Mr. Weisman can tailor his strategy to the unique facts of your case, focusing on the factors that Maryland courts care about most in alimony decisions.

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 

One document plays a central role in every Maryland alimony case: the Long-Form Financial Statement (Maryland Circuit Court form CC-DR-031). Maryland court rules require both parties to complete this detailed form whenever alimony (or property division in a divorce) is at issue . This form is essentially a sworn financial snapshot of your life, and it’s not uncommon for it to span 6-10 pages of fine-grained data. The Long-Form Financial Statement features over 100 expense categories – from your mortgage/rent down to haircuts and pet care – many of which can overlap or confuse anyone who isn’t careful . It also requires listing all sources of income, deductions (taxes, health insurance, retirement contributions, etc.), and a full inventory of assets and debts. In Mr. Weisman’s view, the quality and precision of this form can make or break an alimony case. Judges rely on it heavily when deciding how much support to award , and they will scrutinize it line by line.

Filling out the Long-Form Financial Statement is a challenging task, but Mr. Weisman guides his clients through it step by step. He knows the common pitfalls that cause many people to sabotage their own case on this form, and he makes sure to avoid them. Some frequent mistakes he sees (and corrects) include:

 

  • Using a 4-week month for budgeting: Many people simply multiply weekly expenses by 4, but there are about 4.3 weeks in an average month. Calculating monthly costs on a “4-week” basis (for example, $200/week × 4 = $800) understates the true monthly expense, which should be closer to $860 in that example . Mr. Weisman recalculates any figures using the proper 4.3-week monthly average so that the budget presented to the court is accurate, not artificially low or high.
  • Mingling personal and child-related expenses: The form requires separating the adult’s expenses from those for any children. A common error is to lump things together or double-count. Mr. Weisman carefully allocates expenses to the proper category so that, for instance, a grocery bill or utility cost is proportionately assigned if part of it is really for the children’s needs. This level of detail prevents confusion and potential challenges later.
  • Rounding or estimating figures: Filling in nice round numbers (e.g. claiming $500 for every expense) or guessing amounts is a red flag. It signals a lack of thoroughness and, even worse, could be viewed as an inaccurate statement under oath. Mr. Weisman insists on using exact figures supported by documentation. If last year’s electric bills ranged from $120 to $150, and recent receipts show an average of $135, that is the number that will go on the form – not a convenient guess like $150. Every entry is cross-checked against bank statements, receipts, or other records to ensure it’s precise .
  • Omitting assets or misvaluing property: Another mistake is failing to list all assets and debts, or giving rough estimates (e.g. “Car – $5,000” without any basis). Mr. Weisman will methodically list all assets – from real estate and cars to retirement accounts – using fair market values supported by appraisals, Blue Book values, or account statements. Debts like credit cards or loans are likewise documented with current balances. By avoiding vague entries like “approx. $10k in savings,” he presents a complete and credible financial picture.
  • Not securing proof for each number: Every figure on the financial statement should be backed up by evidence. A big pitfall is attaching self-prepared summaries or failing to attach any proof at all. Mr. Weisman makes sure that for every expense or income claim, there’s a source document ready – and, as noted, he gets many of those documents directly from banks or employers to eliminate any authenticity questions . When the financial statement says a spouse spends $300/month on prescriptions, there will be pharmacy printouts or receipts to substantiate it. This leaves little room for the opposition to argue that the numbers are exaggerated or invented.

 

Mr. Weisman’s meticulous approach to the Long-Form Financial Statement is designed to protect his client’s credibility. Remember, this form is filed under penalty of perjury – by signing it, you are swearing that the information is true and accurate . If a party inflates or fabricates numbers, it can backfire badly. For example, if someone claims $800 per month for groceries on the form, but their bank statements show they actually spend $500, the opposing lawyer can seize on that discrepancy in court . They’ll paint the overstatement as a lie under oath and argue that the person isn’t credible – possibly undermining that person’s entire case . Mr. Weisman’s job is to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. He diligently reviews the financial statement with clients to ensure every entry is truthful, consistent with the documentation, and optimized to reflect the client’s needs without crossing into exaggeration. If the initial draft of your financial statement has errors or fuzzy math (as many do), he will catch and correct them long before the document is submitted to the court.

Just as importantly, a well-prepared financial statement can put you ahead of the curve in an alimony dispute. It “goes a long way to show the Court whether or not a party’s testimony is credible” . When Mr. Weisman presents your case, a meticulously completed Long-Form Financial Statement signals to the judge that you are honest, organized, and realistic about your finances. It lets Mr. Weisman confidently argue for the amount of support you truly need (or can reasonably pay), because the numbers are solid. And if the other side’s financial statement is sloppy or full of holes, he will not hesitate to expose those weaknesses to strengthen your position. In sum, by navigating the Long-Form Financial Statement with care and precision, Mr. Weisman helps set the stage for negotiations or trial testimony that focus on facts – not flaws. 

 

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

Alimony cases can be high-stakes and emotionally charged, especially in Baltimore County where the outcome can profoundly affect your future. Amar S. Weisman provides value to his clients by sweating the details that matter. He emphasizes documentary precision, financial honesty, and strategic preparation at every step. This means you can expect candid advice (he won’t sugarcoat the strengths or weaknesses of your case), proactive gathering of evidence, and a carefully crafted presentation aligned with Maryland’s alimony laws. By doing the hard work upfront – from assembling admissible evidence to perfecting the financial statement – Mr. Weisman ensures that when your day in court arrives, your case is as strong as it can be. There are no guarantees in family law, but there is a clear difference between a case thrown together at the last minute and one built on a firm foundation of verified facts. Mr. Weisman’s approach gives you the latter. It reassures the court that your claims are credible and well-founded, which in turn maximizes your chances of a fair alimony result. His priority is to put you in the best position possible under the law – whether you are seeking support or contesting an unjust request – by leaving no stone unturned in preparation and never overpromising what cannot be delivered. This professional, no-nonsense approach is how Amar S. Weisman has earned the trust of family law clients in Towson and throughout Maryland, and it is what he will bring to your alimony case.

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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