Bloomington Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal Support Attorney In Bloomington, MN

There are many aspects of a marriage to figure out during a divorce, including the fairest way to divide your shared property and finances. In some cases, Minnesota courts may order one party to pay spousal support, either through divorce proceedings or once the divorce has been finalized. Spousal support is designed to make the financial burden of a divorce less stressful on the lower-earning spouse. A Bloomington spousal support lawyer can help you create a fair plan.

Choose Santana Law for Bloomington Spousal Support Services

At Santana Law, PLLC, our dedicated legal team has experience navigating complex family law issues in Minnesota, including alimony cases. We’ve assisted Bloomington residents in both requesting spousal support and negotiating spousal support amounts that must be paid.

Whether you’re unsure if you’re eligible or you believe local courts are making you pay an unfair amount, the team at Santana Law is here to help you navigate spousal support in Bloomington.

Looking at Marriage and Divorce in Minnesota

With a marriage rate of about 5.2 per 1,000 people, Minnesota has a fairly low divorce rate, with numbers sitting right around 10.9%. Still, divorce is always a possibility, which means it’s important to know what to do if you find yourself going through one in Bloomington. There are many facets of a marriage that must be sorted out before a divorce can be finalized, including:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Division of property
• Spousal support

Understanding Spousal Support in Bloomington, MN

Spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance in Minnesota, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to the other that a judge may approve under certain circumstances. Spousal maintenance may be approved if one spouse lacks sufficient property or is unable to support themselves on their own during or after a divorce. It may also be ordered if the party requesting it has a child and is in a situation where they cannot work outside the home.

There are two types of spousal support that a judge may order during and/or after your Bloomington divorce proceedings:

• Transitional Maintenance. This can be awarded during the divorce proceedings and for a short period of time afterwards to give a spouse a chance to improve their financial situation. They’re expected to be taking steps to get back on their feet, so the spousal support payments can eventually stop.
• Indefinite Maintenance. This is formerly known as permanent maintenance, where spousal support is paid indefinitely or until the courts believe that the receiving spouse no longer needs it. If the courts award indefinite maintenance to you or your spouse, they may not include an end date for payments.

Your Trusted Local Bloomington Spousal Support Attorney

No Minnesota divorce case is simple, and when spousal support is involved, navigating your divorce can become even more complex. Luckily, working with a knowledgeable Bloomington family lawyer can make an immense difference in both your proceedings and the outcome of your case.

At Santana Law, our legal team is committed to providing residents of Bloomington and beyond with superior family law services. We know just how quickly divorce cases can become contentious and are prepared to advocate for your interests and rights throughout your case. Our founding attorney, Ronnie Santana, is also a former prosecutor, giving our legal team a unique edge both in and out of court.

FAQs

How Long Does Spousal Support Last in Bloomington?

The amount of support you can receive in Minnesota depends on a number of factors. Namely, the length of your marriage is one of the biggest factors that impact how long support may last. For marriages less than five years, courts generally do not order spousal support unless one spouse can prove a severe need for it. For marriages between five and 20 years, transitional maintenance may be awarded for no longer than half the length of the marriage.

What Are Minnesota’s New Spousal Support Laws?

Minnesota’s spousal maintenance laws were amended in August 2024 in an effort to provide more consistency. Instead of maintenance being labeled as “temporary” and “permanent,” they are now “transitional” and “indefinite.” Spouses who are awarded transitional maintenance are expected to take steps to improve their financial situation after the divorce. Indefinite maintenance does not have a legally defined end date, but it can be terminated by the courts eventually.

Can You Modify Existing Spousal Support Orders in Minnesota?

While spousal support is a court-ordered decision in Minnesota, it does not have to be final. You can go back and modify spousal support orders so they better reflect your current living situation. This is often necessary when a spouse’s circumstances change significantly. However, if your spouse does not agree to your proposed changes, you’ll need to work with a lawyer to fight for a modification in court.

Do I Have to Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer in Bloomington?

While you’re not legally required to hire a spousal support lawyer, it’s highly recommended that you do. Even if you’re confident that you and your spouse are going to agree on everything, it’s wise to have an attorney on your side to ensure you are creating a fair deal. Plus, they can use their legal knowledge to offer unique solutions to issues, help avoid delays, and ensure your case moves smoothly through local courts.

Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer in Bloomington to Help With Your Case

If you’re in the process of getting a divorce in Bloomington and need assistance navigating the spousal support process, you can count on Santana Law to be there for you. Going through a divorce can be an emotionally draining and overwhelming time, which is why having a trusted legal advocate on your side can make such a difference in your case.

When you’re ready to take the next step in your divorce and begin working on spousal support, you can trust the team at Santana Law, PLLC, to help you through it. Contact the office today to schedule a consultation with a dedicated Bloomington spousal support lawyer.

Client Reviews

“Ronnie has given excellent legal advice. I would recommend him to anyone. He is hardworking and goes above and beyond to help his clients. “- Hannah Pinter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐