Reliable Guidance From An Experienced Spousal Support Attorney

Spousal support, often referred to as alimony, is financial assistance provided from one spouse to another after a marriage ends. It is often a significant issue in Arizona divorces. At Benavidez Law Group, P.C., we are here to stand up for your best interests and guide you forward in matters involving spousal support. With decades of experience, we are committed to helping you understand your rights and obligations under Arizona’s alimony laws. When you turn to us, you’ll have direct access to our seasoned Tucson spousal support attorney, Lisa Benavidez. She has the knowledge and skill necessary to help with even the most complex of divorce financial support matters.

Rehabilitative Vs. Temporary Vs. Permanent Alimony

There are three main varieties of spousal support in Arizona: 

  • Temporary alimony: This is short-term support provided while the divorce process is ongoing.
  • Rehabilitative alimony: This is one of the most common forms in Arizona. It is aimed at supporting a spouse after a divorce until they become self-sufficient. 
  • Permanent alimony: This type of alimony has no set end date. It is pretty rare in Arizona. It is usually reserved for special situations, like disability.

Our spousal support attorney can help you understand these different options and how they might apply to your situation.

Forming Effective Spousal Support Agreements

Spouses can negotiate their own alimony agreements during divorce proceedings. Arizona courts will generally approve these agreements if they are fair. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can also include terms regarding spousal support. Our Arizona spousal support attorney can assist in crafting agreements that protect your interests and ensure fairness.

When Alimony Is Contested

When spouses cannot agree on spousal support, a judge will decide on the matter. Generally, they will determine eligibility, entitlement, amount and duration based on the state’s guidelines. Arizona judges consider a wide range of factors when applying these guidelines. This includes income levels, marriage length, standard of living and other financial matters. So, a great many things can impact a judge’s ultimate decision. Our Tucson alimony lawyer can help with building strong arguments for you in contested alimony proceedings. 

How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

The duration of alimony in Arizona depends on its type:

  • Temporary alimony generally ends when the divorce is finalized.
  • Rehabilitative alimony is meant to last until self-sufficiency, with a judge generally setting a fixed duration based on marriage length.
  • Permanent alimony continues indefinitely.

All alimony types in Arizona terminate in the event of death or remarriage. 

Modifying Spousal Support

In Arizona, spousal support can be modified unless an agreement between the parties states otherwise. However, modifications generally require proof of significant, ongoing changes in circumstances. If both parties agree on a modification, they can go to a court for approval. If they don’t, a court will decide on the modification’s appropriateness. Our Pima County spousal maintenance lawyer can guide you in seeking to modify an alimony order. She can also help with responding to an ex-spouse’s modification request. 

Reach Out To Our Skilled Spousal Support Attorney Today

Put proven experience in your corner in your alimony case. Contact us today to discuss your spousal support legal needs. Call 520-314-8954 or complete our online form