NEW MINNESOTA SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE LAWS
In Minnesota divorce cases, alimony is called “spousal maintenance.” This is support (either during the divorce case, or after) that one spouse pays to the former spouse. In 2024, the Minnesota legislature made very significant changes to spousal maintenance laws. The first thing you need to know is that now, in order to qualify for spousal maintenance, you need to be married for at least five years. If you have been married at least five years and less than twenty years, then the Court can award “transitional” maintenance, which can last no longer than one-half the length of the marriage. If you have been married more than twenty years, then the Court can award “indefinite” spousal maintenance, with no specific end date.
If you have been married long enough to qualify for spousal maintenance (at least five years) then the Court applies an eight factor analysis to determine the amount of spousal maintenance. This analysis is complex, and you probably need an attorney to help.
It is very important that you have a comprehensive budget. You can get a free budget worksheet directly from me, at http://www.fiskumlaw.com.
If you are considering getting divorced in Minnesota, contact Minnetonka divorce attorney Dan Fiskum at (952) 270-7700. I have been practicing divorce law in Minnesota for over 30 years. My office are located at the intersection of I 494 and I 394 in Minnetonka. I always offer a free 1/2 hour initial case analysis. So call me now.
Divorce lawyer Dan Fiskum has been named a Super Lawyer. He is a member of Lawyers of Distinction. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Family Law Section, and the Minnesota State Bar Association, Family Law Section. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Law, where he was on the Dean’s List.
