Alimony

NYC Alimony Lawyer

Strategic Representation in Spousal Maintenance Matters

$203K
Income Cap 2024
15-50%
Duration Range
400+
Alimony Cases
96%
Favorable Results

Expert Alimony Attorneys in NYC

Alimony (spousal maintenance) can be one of the most contentious issues in divorce. Our experienced attorneys fight to ensure fair support arrangements that reflect your contributions to the marriage and your future financial needs.

Types of Alimony in New York

Temporary Maintenance: Support during divorce proceedings
Post-Divorce Maintenance: Support after divorce is final
Durational Maintenance: Fixed period based on marriage length
Permanent Maintenance: Long-term or lifetime support
Rehabilitative Alimony: Support for education/job training
Reimbursement Alimony: Compensation for sacrifices made

Factors Determining Alimony

  • Length of the marriage (short, medium, or long-term)
  • Age and health of both spouses
  • Present and future earning capacity
  • Need for education or training
  • Standard of living established during marriage
  • Contributions to the marriage (financial and non-financial)
  • Wasteful dissipation of marital assets
  • Tax consequences to each party
  • Loss of health insurance benefits
  • Care of children or elderly family members

New York Maintenance Formula

1Income Assessment

Calculate both parties' gross income

2Formula Application

Apply statutory formula up to $203,000 cap

3Duration Calculation

Determine length based on marriage duration

4Deviation Factors

Consider special circumstances

5Final Order

Court approves maintenance amount and duration

Common Alimony Challenges

Income Manipulation

Detecting hidden or reduced income

Lifestyle Analysis

Establishing true standard of living

Imputed Income

When spouse is voluntarily underemployed

Modification Issues

Changing support due to circumstances

Duration Guidelines by Marriage Length

0-15 years: 15-30% of marriage length
15-20 years: 30-40% of marriage length
20+ years: 35-50% of marriage length
Very long marriages: Potentially permanent
Short marriages: May receive no alimony
Advisory guidelines: Court has discretion

Fighting for Fair Alimony

Whether you're seeking alimony or defending against excessive demands, our attorneys provide strategic representation based on deep knowledge of New York maintenance law. We work to achieve arrangements that are fair, reasonable, and sustainable for both parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is alimony calculated in NYC?

New York uses a formula based on income differential: For the payor with higher income, it's the lesser of 30% of payor's income minus 20% of payee's income, or 40% of combined income minus payee's income.

Can alimony be terminated or modified?

Yes, alimony can be modified or terminated due to substantial changes like job loss, retirement, remarriage of the recipient, or cohabitation with a new partner.

Is alimony taxable?

For divorces finalized after 2018, alimony is not tax-deductible for the payer nor taxable income for the recipient under federal law.

What's the difference between temporary and permanent alimony?

Temporary maintenance is paid during divorce proceedings, while post-divorce maintenance continues after the divorce is final. "Permanent" typically means long-term, not necessarily lifetime.

Ready to Protect Your Rights?

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SPODEK LAW GROUP

TREATING YOU LIKE FAMILY SINCE 1976

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