In Arizona, the law refers to alimony as spousal maintenance. This is a form of financial support one spouse provides to the other after a divorce. For many spouses, particularly those who might have been financially dependent on their partner, this support can be crucial after the end of the marriage.
However, if you think you’ll need spousal maintenance after the divorce but fail to request it during the proceedings, you may find it challenging, or even impossible, to ask for it later.
It is a matter that should be discussed in divorce proceedings
Under Arizona law, requesting spousal maintenance must happen during the divorce proceedings. You cannot ask for it after the divorce, unlike child support. Once the court finalizes the divorce decree, it closes the opportunity for you to request spousal maintenance. The court considers several factors as part of the divorce process when determining the need for spousal maintenance. These include:
- The standard of living during the marriage
- The duration of the marriage
- The financial resources of both parties.
Given this, the discussion of spousal maintenance primarily occurs in divorce court and has limited scope for being addressed afterward.
Get legal help when requesting spousal maintenance
Requesting spousal maintenance during your divorce proceedings in Arizona is crucial if you think you’ll need financial support after the end of your marriage. Waiting until after the divorce finalizes can lead to losing the opportunity to request this support. In addition, you must make sure to submit all necessary financial disclosures when requesting spousal maintenance. Overlooking this crucial step could complicate your situation.
If you’re in the divorce process and need spousal maintenance, consider consulting an attorney experienced in family law. An attorney can help you understand the complexities of the legal process and protect your interests.