Alimony is one of the first things people ask about when a marriage is falling apart. It’s also one of the least understood parts of divorce. Some people expect it automatically. Others assume they will never qualify. The truth is more nuanced than either of those assumptions, and in Maryland, whether you pay or receive alimony depends on the specific facts of your case.
If you are thinking about divorce in 2026, here is a straightforward look at how Maryland alimony actually works. Contact our Bethesda, MD divorce attorneys to get your questions about alimony answered.
Alimony is never automatic in Maryland. A court will not award it simply because one spouse earns more than the other, or because the marriage lasted a long time. You have to ask for it, and then the court decides whether it is appropriate based on a list of specific factors laid out in Maryland Code, Family Law § 11-106.
Those factors include:
No single factor controls the outcome. The court weighs all of them together.
Maryland recognizes several different forms of alimony, each designed for a different situation.
This is temporary support paid while the divorce is still in progress. It is designed to help the lower-earning spouse cover living expenses during what can be a lengthy legal process. It ends once the divorce is finalized.
This is the most common type of alimony awarded in Maryland. It is paid for a set period of time to give the receiving spouse a chance to become financially independent. For example, one spouse may need to finish a degree, complete job training, or re-enter the workforce after years of staying home.
Courts generally prefer rehabilitative alimony over open-ended support. The expectation is that both spouses will eventually be self-sufficient.
Indefinite alimony is awarded much less frequently. Under Maryland law, a court may award it in two situations: when the spouse seeking support cannot reasonably be expected to become self-supporting due to age or illness, or when there would be a grossly unfair financial gap between the spouses.
This is a high bar. Courts take the possibility seriously, but they do not award indefinite alimony routinely. It's most common in long-term marriages when one spouse hasn't worked for decades.
Yes, under certain circumstances. If either spouse experiences a significant change in financial situation, like a job loss, a major increase in income, or serious illness, either party can petition the court to modify the alimony order.
Alimony also ends automatically in Maryland upon the death of either spouse or the remarriage of the spouse receiving payments. If the receiving spouse begins cohabitating with a new partner, the paying spouse may be able to petition for a reduction or termination. But cohabitation alone does not end alimony automatically the way remarriage does.
Any agreement to modify or waive alimony should be handled carefully and in writing. A verbal agreement between spouses is not enough to protect you legally.
Alimony decisions can shape your financial life for years after your divorce is finalized. Whether you expect to pay or receive alimony, you should make sure that you have a skilled, experienced attorney who can negotiate for a favorable outcome.
With deep roots in this community, our firm understands what is at stake for families when they get divorced. Our attorneys answer client calls personally; you will never be handed off to a receptionist. Call Diamant Gerstein, LLC at 301-560-2685 to schedule a consultation with a Bethesda divorce attorney.
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