How is Temporary Spousal Maintenance and Alimony Calculated in Indiana?

In Indiana, there is a presumption that permanent alimony (called “spousal maintenance” or “spousal support”) will not be paid.  However, courts are allowed to consider whether temporary spousal support should be paid based on the considerations set forth in Indiana statutes.  These considerations are as follows:

IC 31-15-7-2 Findings concerning maintenance

Sec. 2. A court may make the following findings concerning maintenance:

(1) If the court finds a spouse to be physically or mentally incapacitated to the extent that the ability of the incapacitated spouse to support himself or herself is materially affected, the court may find that maintenance for the spouse is necessary during the period of incapacity, subject to further order of the court.

(2) If the court finds that:

• a spouse lacks sufficient property, including marital property apportioned to the spouse, to provide for the spouse’s needs; and
• the spouse is the custodian of a child whose physical or mental incapacity requires the custodian to forgo employment; the court may find that maintenance is necessary for the spouse in an amount and for a period of time that the court considers appropriate.

(3) After considering:

(A) the educational level of each spouse at the time of marriage and at the time the action commenced;

(B) whether an interruption in the education, training, or employment of a spouse who is seeking maintenance occurred during the marriage as a result of homemaking or child care responsibilities, or both;

(C) the earning capacity of each spouse; including educational background, training, employment skills, work experience, and length of presence in or absence from the job market; and

(D) the time and expense necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the spouse who is seeking maintenance to find appropriate employment; a court may find that rehabilitative maintenance for the spouse seeking maintenance is necessary in an amount and for a period of time that the court considers appropriate, but not to exceed three (3) years from the date of the final decree.

Our Representation in Spousal Maintenance Matters

We represent clients seeking a spousal maintenance determination, as well as clients who are seeking avoid having a spousal maintenance award entered against them.  In either case, our representation is based upon applying the facts and circumstances of our clients to Indiana law, and developing a strong position advocating on behalf of our client.

If Your Require Experience Indiana Spousal Maintenance Lawyers, We Invite You to Contact Our Firm

Once we understand the fact and circumstances of your case, we can advise you as to how we can seek to advance your position if we are retained as your legal counsel.