At Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., we understand spousal maintenance claims may be driven by need — or by vengeance. We work diligently to protect your interests, regardless of which side of the claim you are on. Whether you need to contest an alimony claim or to secure your financial stability for the future, our experienced family law attorneys are ready to provide aggressive legal representation.
Spousal maintenance in Minnesota, commonly known as alimony, can be granted in various forms under Minnesota law, depending on the requesting spouse’s needs and the paying spouse’s ability to pay. Common types of spousal maintenance awards include:
The duration of support is determined by the court on a case-by-case basis, but alimony generally terminates if either of these events occur:
Changes in the receiving spouse’s financial circumstances may also justify a modification or termination of spousal maintenance.
Minnesota law provides that spousal maintenance may be awarded only when the court finds one of the following situations exists:
Courts also consider the impact of the child custody arrangement when the requesting spouse is the custodial parent of a child whose condition or circumstances make it inappropriate to require the spouse to seek employment outside the home.
Spousal maintenance is generally taxable as income to the receiving spouse and deductible as an expense for the paying spouse. This is one reason a paying spouse might prefer a spousal maintenance order over a greater share of marital property — alimony payments are tax-deductible, but proceeds from a property division are either tax-neutral or possibly subject to capital gains tax if assets must be liquidated to accomplish a property division.
With an office in Oakdale, Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. serves clients throughout Minnesota, including in Washington County, Dakota County, Burnsville, Eagan and Woodbury, MN. Contact us online to schedule a meeting, or call us at 651-760-7524. We provide trustworthy advice and thorough representation in all types of family law disputes. Free parking and flexible scheduling are available.