Understanding Arizona Spousal Maintenance
Last updated on April 28, 2025
Divorce often creates significant financial disparities between spouses, particularly when one partner has sacrificed career opportunities to support the family or when there are substantial differences in earning potential. In Arizona, spousal support (commonly called alimony) provides a means to address imbalances, helping lower-earning spouses maintain financial stability during and after divorce.
At Cervone Law P.C., our Phoenix family law attorney brings more than 12 years of experience in navigating the complexities of spousal support in Arizona divorces. Whether you are seeking maintenance or concerned about your potential alimony payment obligations, we provide clear guidance and strong advocacy to help you through this challenging process.
Types Of Spousal Maintenance In Arizona
Arizona courts recognize several forms of spousal support to address specific circumstances and needs, including:
- Temporary maintenance: Awarded during pending divorce proceedings to maintain financial stability until the final decree
- Short-term maintenance: Typically awarded for a limited period to help a spouse gain necessary education or job skills to become self-sufficient
- Long-term maintenance: May be awarded in longer marriages where one spouse has limited earning capacity due to age, health conditions or extended absence from the workforce
- Rehabilitative maintenance: Designed to support a spouse while they pursue education or training to improve employment prospects
The type of alimony granted will significantly impact your financial planning and future security, making professional legal guidance particularly valuable during this process.
Factors Affecting Spousal Maintenance Awards
Family courts in Arizona consider numerous factors when determining whether to award alimony and in what amount. These considerations help shape a maintenance order that balances fairness with practical economic realities:
- Length of the marriage
- Standard of living established during marriage
- Age, employment history and earning capacity of both parties
- Physical and emotional health of both spouses
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Contributions to the education or career advancement of the other spouse
- Financial resources and needs of both parties
Understanding these factors allows you to prepare for spousal maintenance negotiations or court proceedings, potentially improving your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Experienced Guidance For Your Spousal Maintenance Case
If you are facing divorce in Phoenix or throughout Arizona and have questions about alimony or other aspects of family law, contact Cervone Law P.C. for knowledgeable legal guidance. Call us at 602-858-6329 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule a consultation with our experienced family lawyer.