Meridian Spousal Support Attorney

At Foley Freeman, PLLC, our Meridian spousal support lawyers have the professional experience and family law expertise that you can rely on. We are well-versed in the alimony laws in Idaho. Whether you are paying support or receiving support, professional guidance and support are just a phone call away. If you have any questions or concerns about spousal support laws, we are here to help. Contact us today to set up your fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation.

Your Guide to Spousal Support Laws in Idaho

Going through a divorce in Meridian? It is possible that you will be entitled to receive (or required to pay) alimony. You should have a general understanding of how the alimony laws work. You will also hear alimony referred to as spousal support or spousal maintenance. The terms have the same meaning in Idaho. Here are key things to know about our state’s alimony laws:

Eligibility: Idaho has more restrictive spousal support laws than most U.S. states. A spouse must demonstrate financial need to qualify for maintenance. The court reviews the applicant’s resources, ability to earn income, and overall capacity for self-support. Without a showing of need, spousal support will not be awarded in Meridian.
Several Types of Alimony: In Idaho, there are multiple types of alimony. Idaho law permits temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent maintenance. Temporary support may be ordered while the divorce is pending. Rehabilitative support allows time for a spouse to gain skills or employment. Permanent support is far more rare. It is usually limited to long marriages and/or cases where one spouse has a significant disability.
Factors Considered by the Court: Spousal support cases are very much fact-specific. Idaho Code § 32-705 directs courts to weigh multiple factors. Along with other things, courts in our state consider the length of the marriage, the standard of living during marriage, and the time needed for the supported spouse to obtain training or education. Judges also consider the paying spouse’s ability to meet their own needs while providing support.
Changing Spousal Support: Alimony can sometimes be modified or even terminated outright after it is already in place. Under Idaho law, spousal support may be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Notably, payments typically end upon remarriage or the romantic cohabitation of the supported spouse.

How the Meridian Family Lawyers at Foley Freeman Can Help

Family law cases can be sensitive, especially when issues like spousal support are involved. At Foley Freeman, PLLC, we are a boutique law firm that puts clients first. With an office located right here in Meridian, we are honest, trustworthy, and dedicated members of the community. You can learn more about the firm and contact our lawyers directly with specific questions. Among other things, our Meridian spousal support lawyers are ready to:

Conduct a comprehensive, confidential review of your case;
Gather and organize all supporting financial documents and records;
Handle any spousal support settlement negotiations; and
Develop a personalized family law strategy to help you get the best outcome.

Spousal Support in Meridian: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is spousal support automatic in Idaho?

No, absolutely not. Spousal support is not guaranteed. Quite the contrary, most divorce cases in Meridian are finalized without an award of alimony. The spouse requesting it must prove financial need. Beyond that, the court also looks at the other spouse’s ability to pay.

How do Idaho courts define “reasonable needs” for spousal support?

“Reasonable needs” refers to living expenses measured against the marital standard of living. Courts compare this to the requesting spouse’s income and resources. The definition comes from case law. The specific circumstances always matter.

Is spousal support taxable in Idaho?

No, spousal support is not taxable to the recipient under current federal tax law. It is also not deductible for the paying spouse. These rules apply to divorces finalized after 2018. There were big changes to federal tax laws for alimony at that time.

Contact Our Meridian, ID Alimony Attorney Today

At Foley Freeman, PLLC, our Meridian spousal support lawyer is an honest, trustworthy, and solutions-focused advocate for clients. If you have any specific questions about alimony in Idaho, we are here as a family law resource. Contact us now to set up your completely confidential, no obligation initial appointment. With a law office in Meridian, we are well-positioned to handle spousal support cases in Ada County and throughout the entire region.

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Mark Freeman and the Team at Foley Freeman have assisted my family & me with personal and business matters for many years. They have always provided a service that is friendly and welcoming, while implementing a professional, diligent service. They have assisted us with matters such as defense, estate planning, Buy Sell Agreements, liquidation negotiation and purchases, real estate ventures, and lien filings. I would highly recommend the team at Foley Freeman for any of your legal needs.

Keith Lewis

I’ve had the pleasure of working with the attorneys at Foley Freeman PLLC for more than twenty years. They have professionally and successfully represented my interests in personal and business matters, including assisting with business purchase and sale agreements, contract reviews, estate planning, and arbitration issues. I recommend them without hesitation.

Steve Sedlacek

Mark Freeman is our most trusted attorney for all of our estate planning needs. He and his staff were of the utmost professionalism and walked my wife and me through all the steps to make sure we had our assets, including properties in multiple states, our life insurance, and money protected for our children and future family legacy. He answered every question we asked, and even addressed issues that could come up that we hadn’t thought of. I highly recommend Mark for any estate planning needs.

Steve Angiolini

Foley Freeman was amazing to work with! We have never needed legal counseling before and contacted them with time-sensitive needs. They were very kind, eager, and thoroughly explained everything to us. We were not pressured to make decisions or made to feel that our “small” legal issue was a waste of their time. Highly recommend their services to anyone with any legal needs.

Candice M. Sumner

I just want to say thank you. This was the first time I have ever hired a lawyer, and I must say that I made an excellent choice when I went with you. You were very prompt in responding to my queries and did an excellent job. I will definitely recommend you to anyone in need of a lawyer.

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