What is the difference between temporary and permanent maintenance orders in a Louisville divorce case? What do you need to immediately know about temporary orders? Will temporary orders affect the permanent orders ultimately issued in your case?
The party who initially files the divorce petition may request initial orders from the judge regarding matters such as child custody and parenting time, as well as maintenance (also known as maintenance). The Judge in your case will soon issue orders to guide the parties through the process of the divorce. These initial orders are “temporary” orders which are designed to protect the status quo as the parties work through the issues of their divorce and ultimately end their marriage.
This is why it is important to respond promptly if you have been served papers in a divorce. The failure to respond means the “Petitioner” (the person who filed for divorce) will likely get everything they asked for in the filing regarding temporary custody and support orders.
The major difference between temporary and permanent maintenance orders is the amount of the maintenance and its duration. Temporary maintenance is usually based upon the income disparity between the parties as the Judge attempts to level the playing field for the divorce process.
Once the Judge decides or approves the final orders in your case, any maintenance from that date forward is considered to be “permanent.” The amount of and the duration of permanent maintenance is based on multiple factors which include the length of the marriage and the economic viability of both parties.
Permanent doesn’t necessarily mean “for the rest of your life” in this case. The Judge will often set a time limit for maintenance.
The difference between temporary and permanent maintenance orders can also be greatly impacted by the expertise and skill of your attorney. We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact Dodd & Dodd Attorneys or call us at 502-584-1108 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
