How Long Must You Be Married to Receive Alimony in Maryland?

Walter Jackowiec, Illinois managing attorney | Marble Law

Maryland managing attorney at Marble Law

Published July 20, 2025 · 3 min read

Key Takeaways

Maryland has no minimum marriage length requirement for alimony and there is no standard formula.
Maryland Courts primarily award rehabilitative alimony to allow a financially subordinate party catch up to the superior earner.
The primary goal of alimony in Maryland is to move parties toward financial independence from each other.
Courts evaluate each case individually based on financial needs and contributions.
Longer marriages typically result in higher or longer-lasting alimony awards.
Both financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage matter.

How long do you need to be married to receive alimony?

Maryland law does not set a minimum marriage length for alimony eligibility. Instead, courts review each case individually, considering several key factors:

Need of one party and ability of the other to pay: The analysis begins with need and capacity to pay.
No Specific Time Requirement: Courts can award alimony regardless of how long the marriage lasted.
On a Case-by-Case Basis, Judges consider financial dependency, sacrifices made during the marriage, and the overall fairness of awarding support.
Marriage Duration Matters: While not the sole factor, longer marriages often lead to stronger alimony claims.
Longer Marriages Favored: If one spouse gave up career opportunities to support the family, a longer marriage increases the likelihood of alimony.

Factors that affect alimony in Maryland

Maryland courts use a detailed analysis to determine alimony, considering:

Financial Resources: Courts examine the income, assets, and debts of both spouses.
Standard of Living: The lifestyle during the marriage is used as a benchmark for support.
Marriage Duration: Longer marriages often result in larger or longer alimony awards.
Contributions to Marriage: Homemaking, childcare, and career sacrifices are factored in.
Earning Capacity Differences: If one spouse has fewer job opportunities due to marriage-related choices, alimony may be higher.
Health Considerations: Physical or mental health conditions affecting a spouse’s ability to work play a role in alimony decisions.
Ability of the dependent spouse to catch up: The courts consider if the dependent spouse needs support for a period of time to begin earning at a level that is self supporting.

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How soon after a divorce will you receive alimony?

The timing of alimony payments depends on whether the support arrangement was negotiated or court-ordered:

Negotiated Alimony: If both parties agree, payments can start as soon as the divorce is finalized and sometimes before.
Court-Ordered Alimony: Payments may take longer due to court schedules and appeals.
Temporary Alimony: If ordered, temporary support can begin during the divorce process to assist a financially dependent spouse.

Why you should hire a family lawyer for alimony cases

Alimony decisions can have long-term financial consequences. An attorney with Marble Law can help you understand your rights, negotiate fair terms, and present a strong case in court if needed. Legal guidance can help ensure the best possible outcome, whether you are seeking support or trying to limit payments.