Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) Attorney In Johnson County, Kansas
Divorce can leave you unsure how you will pay bills, keep your home or meet daily needs, especially if you need support or fear a costly order.
At The Kelly Law Firm, L.L.C., in Lenexa, attorney Melissa Kelly Schroeder helps clients address spousal maintenance in Kansas. With more than 30 years of family law experience, she handles each matter herself and works directly with clients throughout the process.
How Kansas Family Courts Determine Spousal Support
Kansas courts award maintenance when it is fair, just and equitable, and may consider each spouse’s age, earning ability, financial needs, property, family duties and the length of the marriage. The court weighs both spouses’ needs and ability to pay.
We review your finances and needs to help you understand what support may be fair and how the court may view your position. As part of our broader family law practice, we also help clients address the other legal and financial issues that can arise during divorce.
Understanding The 121-Month Limit And Changes To Support
Kansas law generally limits an initial maintenance award to 121 months. However, the court may reinstate support after that period if the original decree reserved that option and the recipient files a motion before the payment period ends. After a hearing, the court may reinstate all or part of the maintenance for up to another 121 months.
A court may also change payment terms for support not yet due, after reasonable notice and a hearing, but cannot raise or speed up unpaid payments beyond the original order unless the paying spouse agrees.
High-Asset Spousal Maintenance: Protecting Complex Income And Business Assets
Support cases can be harder when a spouse owns a business, has large assets or earns a different amount each year. This may happen due to:
- Business income and ownership
- Bonuses and changing pay
- Investment income and other assets
These details may affect each spouse’s need for support and ability to pay, so we review the full picture and keep support separate from property division. These issues may also connect to property and financial matters in high-net-worth divorces and divorces involving business owners and professionals.
Protect Your Financial Future With Legal Guidance
A divorce order can affect your finances for years, so before you agree to terms, learn what you may receive or have to pay. Attorney Schroeder brings more than 30 years of family law experience and works with clients directly. Call 913-717-0655 to schedule an initial consultation with a Lenexa spousal support lawyer, or contact us online.