What is alimony and how is it paid in Maryland?

Alimony is support paid from one spouse to the other, generally on a monthly basis for a set period of time. Alimony may be paid through a wage lien or Earnings Withholding Order, similar to Child Support. Generally, alimony is set for a specific period of time determined by the court. If indefinite alimony is awarded, the payments generally terminate upon the death of the payor spouse or remarriage of the recipient.

How is alimony determined in Maryland?

In Maryland, determining if one spouse is entitled to alimony can be a very challenging part of divorce. 

Unlike child support, there are not statutory guidelines or formulas for determining the amount of alimony or the length of time on spouse may receive alimony. As such, it is very difficult to predict whether or not alimony will be awarded in a divorce case. Case law with respect to alimony has evolved over time and the trial judge has an enormous amount of discretion in determining whether or not to award alimony in a case. 

Parties may reach an agreement as to alimony and the Court is bound by those terms. Parties may agree that their alimony is not modifiable by the Court for any reason, or they may agree that alimony may be modified under limited circumstances.

How long does someone have to pay alimony in Maryland?

The Court may award alimony for the following durations of time:

• Pendente lite alimony, which is temporary alimony pending the final divorce hearing;
• rehabilitative alimony which is awarded for a limited and defined period of time after the divorce has been granted; and
• permanent or indefinite alimony.

Each type of alimony has a different purpose and different legal and statutory factors. Generally, Maryland courts are trending away from granting one party indefinite alimony. Alimony is more typically viewed as a temporary remedy to enable a dependent spouse to get the required training and education to improve their earning potential.

Do I need an attorney to determine if I owe or am owed alimony in Maryland?

It is very important to have a Maryland Divorce Attorney, skilled in alimony awards, help you navigate the court system and strategize to achieve the best financial outcome for you.

We are dedicated to helping parties understand the complex aspects of alimony and help them develop a strategy to protect their interests when it comes to questions of alimony. We have experience helping parties on both sides of the alimony issue pursue fair alimony determinations, whether that determination is made through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

Written by Michelle M. Gohary, Esq.

Updated June 4, 2026