Little Neck attorney Shi Moren’s free video conference briefly discusses spousal temporary alimony and spousal support
The David Smoren Law Firm, located in Little Neck, Queens, has been serving the community since its establishment in 2005, now proudly celebrating 18 years of dedicated legal service. The firm has built a reputation for providing affordable yet high-quality legal assistance, helping numerous individuals and families navigate various challenges in family law, custody disputes, workers’ compensation, and personal injury cases.
When faced with issues such as divorce, family law conflicts, child custody battles, or workplace injuries, clients can count on the experienced team at Smoren Law Firm. They adopt a client-centered approach, ensuring each case is managed with care and confidentiality. The firm’s strategy involves developing detailed, personalized plans to advocate effectively for their clients’ best interests.
During our conversation, the firm clarified the concept of “spousal support,” a legal term that refers to the financial assistance spouses provide to one another in family court. In divorce proceedings within the Supreme Court, the term “maintenance” is used interchangeably. Legally, married partners are obligated to support each other throughout their relationship—during the marriage, while divorce is in process, and after the finalization of the divorce. However, this obligation has its limits, typically relying on one spouse’s financial needs and the other’s ability to provide support.
In New York, temporary maintenance typically comes from the higher-earning spouse to the lower-earning spouse during divorce proceedings. This support amount is guided by the income standards established in the Child Support Standards Act. It’s important to note that temporary support is not permanent; it generally ceases once the final maintenance amount is determined, which usually happens at the end of the divorce case. The final maintenance is assessed based on the specifics of each situation and the twenty statutory factors outlined in Family Relations Law. It can be awarded as temporary support, known as durational maintenance, or potentially for life. Additionally, temporary spousal support may cover various living expenses, reflective of the couple’s lifestyle and financial resources, with the wealthier spouse typically responsible for these costs. These potential expenses include health, life, auto, and homeowners insurance, along with rent, salaries, and other costs not explicitly covered by the temporary maintenance guidelines.
Importantly, all aspects related to spousal support or maintenance can be adjusted based on changes in either party’s circumstances. Modifications can be filed under several criteria, whether the original agreements were established through contracts or court orders. Common requests for modification arise when a party experiences a drop in income or incurs unforeseen expenses not covered during litigation. Timely filing for modifications is crucial, as the paying party cannot unilaterally cease payments without formal court approval.
Smoren Law Firm specializes in all aspects of spousal support and maintenance. For a free consultation via phone or video chat, interested parties can reach out at 718-225-6700. The firm’s operations are set up to facilitate all necessary processes remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits. Their office is located at 254-10 Northern Blvd., Suite 204, Little Neck, NY 11362, and inquiries can also be made via email at [email protected]. For those with busy schedules, the firm is flexible, offering consultation hours during evenings and weekends.
