Twin Cities Spousal Maintenance Lawyers

Last updated on May 18, 2026

Untangling the financial ties that have held a married couple together can be a complicated, tedious and lengthy process. At Huson Law Firm, PLLC, our family law team knows that determining the appropriate and fair amount of support payments can make a significant difference in a client’s life.

Our alimony lawyers’ experience includes a thorough understanding of the factors that a court weighs. They are also knowledgeable regarding the realities of determining spousal support in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Ramsey County.

What Are The Different Types Of Spousal Maintenance In Minnesota?

Minnesota recognizes several forms of spousal maintenance to address different financial needs during and after a divorce. They include:

• Indefinite maintenance: Previously called permanent maintenance, the term may apply when a spouse is unlikely to become fully self‑supporting. It continues until modified or terminated by the court.
• Transitional maintenance: Formerly called temporary maintenance, this provides support for a defined period, allowing the recipient spouse to work toward financial independence. It may apply when time is needed to find employment, complete training or adjust to a single‑income household.
• Pendente lite maintenance: This is ordered while a divorce is pending so that both spouses can meet basic needs during the legal process. It ends once the final divorce decree is issued, at which point the court may order transitional or indefinite maintenance.

Courts evaluate the facts of each case to determine which category best fits the parties’ circumstances.

How Do Minnesota Courts Determine Spousal Support?

Minnesota courts weigh a number of factors when determining appropriate spousal support amounts during a divorce. Some of the factors are as follows:

• The financial resources of the party seeking maintenance
• Whether any children are involved
• The time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party who is seeking maintenance to find appropriate employment
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The expenses of both parties
• The duration of the marriage
• The loss of earnings and other employment opportunities forgone by the spouse seeking maintenance
• The age and physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking maintenance
• The ability of the obligated spouse to support him or herself while making support payments

Many of these factors require some subjective appraisal. Like many of life’s realities, they are also subject to change. As a result, a post-divorce modification can alter an initial determination.

Our attorneys at our family law office can explain how these factors may apply to your particular circumstances.

How Long Does Spousal Maintenance Last In Minnesota?

Spousal maintenance lasts as long as the court deems necessary based on the length of the marriage and each party’s financial situation and/or earning capacity. Minnesota courts do not rely on rigid formulas but instead consider what is reasonable and fair under the circumstances.

For general guidance, courts often evaluate duration in relation to the length of the marriage:

• Short‑term marriages (under 10 years): Maintenance is typically transitional and limited in duration
• Medium‑length marriages (10 to 19 years): Support may be transitional or indefinite depending on the receiving spouse’s ability to become self‑supporting
• Long‑term marriages (20 years or more): Indefinite maintenance is more common because long marriages often involve substantial financial interdependence.

These are merely examples to consider and may help illustrate how courts commonly approach duration.

Can You Modify Alimony In Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota allows spousal maintenance modification when a substantial change in circumstances makes the existing order unreasonable or unfair. Courts may consider changes such as job loss, significant income shifts, health issues or increased financial needs. 

Either party may request a modification, but the requesting spouse must provide evidence supporting the change.

How Does A Karon Waiver Affect Spousal Support In Minnesota?

A Karon waiver is an agreement that limits or eliminates the court’s ability to modify spousal maintenance in the future. When both spouses knowingly agree to a Karon waiver, they lock in the amount and duration of maintenance, preventing later changes even if circumstances shift. 

Because these waivers remove the court’s authority to adjust support, they require careful consideration and clear, informed consent from both parties.

Call Today To Protect Your Financial Future

Our team at Huson Law Firm believes in responsible, fair and realistic determinations of spousal support. For years, our alimony attorneys have helped hundreds of clients in the Twin Cities metropolitan area meet the needs of their families.

Our team is available to discuss your family law matter. Call 651-968-0822 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.