When spouses separate in Arizona, oftentimes the higher-earning spouse will be required to make monthly payments to the lower-earning spouse for a certain amount of time. This is what is known as spousal maintenance, or more commonly referred to as spousal support or alimony. These payments can be awarded by a judge in three different forms: pendent lite, permanent, or limited maintenance.Pendent Lite MaintenanceThe first form of maintenance is "pendent lite" maintenance, or a temporary arrangement for the lower-earning spouse to receive payments during the divorce process until a final decision is decreed by the courts. This can be paid either in a single lump sum payment or on a monthly basis for a set amount of time. Once a decision has been made, this will be re-evaluated by the courts and a temporary or permanent maintenance may be awarded.Permanent MaintenanceWhile uncommon, a judge may award a spouse permanent maintenance. These payments are to be made indefinitely unless the collecting spouse remarries or is deemed to be financially self-sufficient. Judges rarely award permanent maintenance, as the concept of spousal support is most often looked at as a rehabilitative means. In most cases, permanent maintenance is used only after long marriages or in instances where the lower-earning spouse is disabled or cannot support themselves due to their age.Limited MaintenanceIf a spouse contributed to the education or furthering of the other spouse's career, the courts may issue a limited maintenance arrangement. Exactly as they sound, these payments are limited and will end after a certain amount of time has passed or if a certain total of contributions has been reached.Contact Liszewski Law Group, PLLCIf you and your spouse have decided to separate, a Mesa divorce lawyer from Liszewski Law Group, PLLC can help you navigate the troubling waters of family law and aid you in your pursuit of an amicable solution to your marital dispute. Backed by a perfect 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and more than two decades of dedicated legal experience, our attorneys understand your struggle and are prepared to do everything necessary to help you get through this difficult time.To find out more about how we can help, contact our office online or call us today at (480) 359-1334.
