{"id":374205,"date":"2016-09-14T10:55:59","date_gmt":"2016-09-14T15:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/minnesota-law\/minnesota-alimony-laws-1.html"},"modified":"2024-12-11T10:54:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T15:54:58","slug":"minnesota-alimony-laws-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/minnesota-law\/minnesota-alimony-laws-1.html","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota Alimony Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Minnesota Alimony Laws <\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

When spouses separate, the lower-earning spouse may need help until they are self-sufficient. Family law courts can order the higher-income spouse to provide support until then. In Minnesota, alimony <\/a>(spousal maintenance) isn\u2019t guaranteed. The law lets judges and spouses decide if either needs spousal support, how much, and how long.<\/p>\r\n

In Minnesota, either spouse may request spousal maintenance during a divorce or legal separation<\/a>. Minnesota courts do not use an alimony calculator to determine the amount or duration of a support order. Instead, judges weigh multiple factors for and against a spousal maintenance award.<\/p>\r\n

Minnesota Alimony Basics<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Minnesota law bases alimony in Minnesota on one spouse’s reasonable needs versus the other spouse’s ability to pay. During the divorce process, spouses can create their own spousal maintenance order, either by themselves or with the help of a court-ordered mediator. If the judge approves the couple’s agreement, it becomes part of the divorce decree.<\/p>\r\n

If the couple doesn\u2019t reach an agreement, the judge will review their situation. Minnesota statutes<\/a> allow a judge to consider many factors when deciding the amount and duration of alimony awards.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Spousal Maintenance<\/b><\/h3>\r\n