Milwaukee Wisconsin Divorce Lawyers Help You Obtain Spousal Maintenance & Support
Dedicated to protecting your financial future
In many divorces, one spouse is the sole breadwinner or earns more than the other. In such cases, the spouse who relied on the other for financial security is often concerned about whether or not they’ll have enough money to cover living expenses after the divorce. The Wisconsin divorce attorneys at Bandle & Zaeske, LLP help you file for and secure spousal maintenance. We have more than 50 years combined experience helping clients in Milwaukee, Washington, Racine, Fond du Lac, Dodge, Ozaukee and Waukesha counties.
What is spousal maintenance or support in Wisconsin?
Known as alimony elsewhere, in Wisconsin it is referred to as spousal maintenance — financial compensation made by one party involved in a divorce in order to reduce the economic burden on the other during the proceedings and/or after the marriage ends. In simple or uncontested divorce, spouses can agree on the amount to be paid. In other cases, spousal maintenance is court-ordered. The amount and duration ultimately awarded is partially based on an evaluation of:
- The division of individual and marital property
- Length of the marriage
- Age of each spouse
- Education of each spouse
- Income and income potential
- The couple’s standard of living
- Health of each spouse
- If, or how much, one spouse helped the other further his or her education
- If, or how much, one spouse helped the other in business endeavors
- Tax ramifications
The judge will also scrutinize material specifically pertaining to the potential recipient’s current and future financial self-sufficiency. In addition to reviewing that spouse’s education and work history, the judge will review:
- Vocational training
- Qualifications
- The length of unemployment, if any
- Whether he or she has been the children’s primary caretaker in the past and whether that will continue after the divorce
- Expenses associated with continuing education or similar schooling that would improve the spouse’s odds of finding good-paying work
Court-ordered spousal maintenance in Wisconsin is subject to change in certain circumstances
When these payments are court-mandated, the amount awarded or duration of payments can be changed –based on specific conditions. Some examples are changes in employment status and living expenses; a significant inheritance; or a new relationship in which the spouse receives additional financial support.
If the recipient of spousal maintenance marries someone else, he or she no longer qualifies for the payments from his or her ex. The person who has remarried has an affirmative duty to notify the court of remarriage. However, that is often overlooked. A court order regarding cessation of payment will then be issued.
If motions to modify, terminate or extend maintenance are not filed in a timely manner the right to do so may be lost.
Contact our knowledgeable Milwaukee divorce attorneys to discuss spousal maintenance
If you’ve never had to worry about living from paycheck to paycheck, the thought of fending for yourself after you are divorced is probably overwhelming. But you are not alone. The Milwaukee divorce lawyers at Bandle & Zaeske, LLP provide a supportive environment while working tirelessly to ensure you get the financial support to which you are entitled. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (414) 359-1424 or contact us online.