Unlike general practice attorneys who occasionally handle divorces, our firm brings specialized knowledge and experience to alimony cases.
When navigating a divorce, financial uncertainty often becomes one of the most pressing concerns—especially if spousal support, or alimony, may be involved. Whether you’re seeking fair support or being asked to provide it, working with an experienced St. Louis alimony attorney can make all the difference in achieving a balanced and lawful outcome.
What Is Alimony in Missouri?
In Missouri, alimony—legally known as maintenance—is financial support that one spouse may be required to pay the other following a divorce. Unlike child support, maintenance isn’t determined by a fixed formula. Instead, it’s awarded on a case-by-case basis and considers several key factors:
- The financial resources of each spouse
- The duration of the marriage
- The standard of living during the marriage
- The age, physical, and emotional condition of each party
- The time needed for the recipient to acquire education or job training
Because of this flexibility, working with a knowledgeable St. Louis alimony lawyer is essential to protect your rights and interests. At The Betz Law Firm, we bring compassionate, personalized representation to every spousal support case, guiding clients through Missouri’s alimony laws with clarity and confidence.
Why Choose The Betz Law Firm?
Unlike large, impersonal firms, The Betz Law Firm provides dedicated, one-on-one legal support from an experienced attorney—not a junior associate. Our firm is deeply rooted in St. Louis and has extensive experience handling divorce and family law cases throughout St. Louis County.
We help clients in both requesting and contesting alimony by:
- Preparing thorough financial disclosures
- Analyzing employment and lifestyle factors
- Negotiating fair and sustainable support agreements
- Utilizing mediation as an effective way to resolve alimony disputes
- Advocating for our clients in family court, if necessary
Whether you’re concerned about paying too much or receiving too little, we fight for outcomes that reflect your financial reality.
Temporary vs. Long-Term Maintenance
Missouri courts can award temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent maintenance. We help our clients understand what type of alimony applies to their situation:
- Temporary Maintenance: Often awarded during the divorce process
- Rehabilitative Maintenance: Short-term support to allow a spouse time to become self-sufficient
- Permanent Maintenance: Rare, but possible in long-term marriages where one spouse cannot reasonably support themselves
We take a strategic approach to documenting financial need and advocating for reasonable terms through mediation or litigation.
Resolving Alimony Through Mediation
Mediation can be a highly effective way to resolve alimony disputes during a divorce, offering a less adversarial and more cost-efficient alternative to courtroom litigation. In mediation, both parties work with a neutral third-party mediator to negotiate the terms of spousal support based on each person’s financial circumstances and future needs. This collaborative process encourages open communication and often results in more balanced, mutually agreeable alimony arrangements.
At The Betz Law Firm, we guide clients through mediation with a clear understanding of Missouri’s maintenance laws, ensuring that any agreement reached is fair, enforceable, and tailored to your unique situation.
Serving Clients Across St. Louis
We proudly represent clients across the greater St. Louis region, including:
- Webster Groves
- Kirkwood
- Chesterfield
- Ballwin
- Manchester
- Clayton
- Brentwood
- South County
- Fenton
- St. Charles
With a local focus, we’re familiar with the judges and court processes in St. Louis County Family Court and St. Louis City Circuit Court, giving our clients an edge in both settlement discussions and trial proceedings.