What Must Be Included In A Rehabilitative Alimony Plan In Maryland?

Rehabilitative alimony is the most commonly awarded form of alimony in Maryland. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get. Essentially, you must present the court with a plan that outlines how you are going to spend the money to make yourself self-sufficient. The court reviews the plan and then decides whether or not the award should move forward. In these cases, the Maryland court is looking for specific elements. In this article, we’ll discuss what elements must be included in your Maryland rehabilitative alimony plan for the court to accept it.

What elements must be included in my rehabilitative alimony plan? 

Rehabilitative alimony is a financial award that helps the recipient spouse become financially self-sufficient. To get a rehabilitative alimony award, you must present the court with a plan for making yourself self-supporting. Below is a list of elements that should be included in your rehabilitative alimony plan.

• Specify your goals – You will want the court to clearly understand your objectives for becoming self-supporting. These can include the pursuit of a college degree, the completion of a training program, the acquisition of specific certifications, or getting relevant work experience in your field.

• Detail your plan of action – You will need to outline the steps necessary to achieve your stated goals. For example, if you are pursuing a college degree, you will want to specify how many years it will take you to complete the degree and what steps you will need to take to finish your degree. The plan must be specific and comprehensive.

• Explain your timeframe – You will need to provide the court with a realistic timeframe for achieving every step of the plan.

• Estimate the costs – If the plan involves education or vocational training, you will want to estimate the expenses. These can include tuition, books, transportation, childcare, and more.

• Make an effort toward self-sufficiency – You will want to clearly document any steps that you’ve already taken to improve your employment prospects. This can include updating your resume, attending job fairs, an internship, or starting an entry-level position in the field of your choice.

• Show evidence of earning potential – You will want to provide the court with evidence of your potential earnings once you complete your rehabilitative alimony plan. This can include average salaries from your chosen field.

• Consider relevant factors – You will want to address how your plan addresses the factors that the court considers when determining an alimony award. These include your age, health, education, skills, employment history, and the standard of living you established during the marriage.

Ultimately, the court will assess whether or not your plan is feasible when determining the amount of alimony you will be awarded and the duration of that alimony. Judges can also consider expert testimony provided by vocational experts who will assess your realistic earning capacity and potential for rehabilitation.

Talk to a Bel Air, Maryland, Divorce Attorney Today 

Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered, represent the interests of Bel Air residents who are looking to untie the knot. Call our Bel Air divorce lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your goals and concerns right away.