Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Re: Guidelines for Alimony

There are no guidelines for alimony in Maryland. Alimony is decided on a case-by-case basis considering numerous "factors" as may apply.

These factors were established through decades of case law. Matters of equity may apply over the factors. As a side note, there has been considerable debate within the legal community for

many years over the need for alimony guidelines (which would be similar to child support guidelines). There are compelling arguments on both sides of the issue and, to date and in the foreseeable future, no alimony guidelines have issued.

Your factual description does not provide a basis to assess the risk that you may have to pay alimony. In a case as you describe, a suggested better course of action

is to contact an attorney and pursue a separation and property division agreement. You should have such a document prepared by an attorney as there are many matters involved that may not be obvious to a layman.

If you would like to discuss your matter, please feel free to contact me. Please leave an evening phone number if I am not available at the time of your call.

G. Joseph Holthaus

(410) 799-9002