Helena Spousal Support Lawyer

Top-Rated Spousal Support Attorney in Helena, MT

During a divorce, spousal support is one of the most important decisions you and your spouse must make. The outcome of a spousal support case can impact your financial stability and income for years to come. Whether you need help determining a fair support plan, navigating a dispute over spousal support, or modifying spousal support orders, you should work with a Helena spousal support lawyer.

Why Work With Us?

At Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience and have resolved over 1,000 cases, including many spousal support cases. Hire a Helena family law attorney who can take the time to understand your personal financial goals and concerns.

In a spousal support case, we know that finding a plan that is financially fair for both parties looks different for every situation. Our team is committed to providing families and spouses with personalized agreements and court orders that reflect their unique needs.

An Overview of Spousal Support

With a divorce rate of 2.3 per 1,000 residents, many spouses in Montana are left wondering what divorce means for their long-term financial stability. Spousal support, or alimony, can have a significant impact on your financial situation, whether you are requesting support or responding to a request. Family income decreases by 40 to 45 percent for parents with children who have been divorced for at least six years.

Spousal maintenance is not automatically awarded in a Montana divorce. The spouses may agree on the amount and duration of child support, or the court may determine whether maintenance is appropriate after considering the parties’ financial resources, earning capacities, and other statutory factors.

Because every case involves unique factors, it is important to work with a Helena spousal support attorney who can review your finances and factors about your marriage to determine whether spousal support is necessary, and if so, how much and for how long.

How Spousal Support Matters Are Decided

Many spousal support cases are settled outside of court. This allows couples to retain control over the outcome of a case and can help preserve cooperation and amicability. If you and your spouse are trying to decide on spousal support, you should hire a spousal support lawyer who can facilitate discussions, suggest solutions, and help you draft strong agreements that reflect your wishes while adhering to Montana’s spousal support laws.

Not all spouses are able to reach an agreement on spousal support. When this happens, cases may go to court. In Helena, these cases are often handled by the First Judicial District Court at 228 E. Broadway Street. In 2025, the Montana District Court had 10,499 family cases filed.

When a case goes to court, a judge evaluates the evidence and arguments of both spouses and then makes the final decision. The court uses several factors outlined in Montana’s spousal support laws to decide whether spousal support should be ordered, how much, and for how long. Some of these factors include:

• The financial situation of both spouses, such as income and marital property
• How long is it going to take to obtain enough education or training to find employment
• The standard of living during the marriage
• The age and health of the spouse
• The duration of the marriage
• The higher-earning spouse’s ability to provide support while meeting their own needs

Why You Should Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer

Working with a Helena spousal support lawyer should be a priority, regardless of whether you are seeking support or if support is being requested from you. A lawyer can help you protect your rights and your future finances from unfair support orders.

Divorce can be deeply emotional and stressful. A lawyer can make this process easier by clearly explaining your options, managing the legal details on your behalf, and helping you and your spouse reach a mutually favorable agreement without needing to go to court.

FAQs

How Much Alimony Is Usually Awarded?

In Montana, there is no specific amount of alimony that is awarded. Instead, it is based on factors such as both spouses’ income and earning potential, the standard of living during the marriage, and the duration of the marriage. If your case goes to court, a judge has discretion over how much alimony should be paid.

How Long Do You Have to Be Married to Get Alimony in Montana?

In Montana, there is no minimum marriage length required in order to get spousal support. However, the duration of a marriage is a factor that courts consider. A judge may decide that a marriage was short enough that spousal support is not needed, or they may decide that a longer marriage results in a longer duration of spousal support. How the length of your marriage impacts the outcome of a case depends on the judge’s discretion.

Can My Husband Cut Me Off Financially During a Divorce?

In general, your husband must not cut you off financially while going through a divorce. You should be able to maintain the financial status quo while filing for divorce. If you are concerned about your finances during a divorce or are being cut off, you should speak with a Helena spousal support attorney about obtaining a temporary order for maintenance or support, which establishes short-term spousal support during the divorce process.

What Disqualifies You From Spousal Support in Montana?

In Montana, you are not eligible to receive spousal support if you are able to be financially independent without support. Also, you may not receive spousal support if you signed a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement where you waived your right to request spousal support. Notably, actions such as adultery or abandonment do not disqualify you from spousal support, since Montana is a no-fault divorce state.

A Helena Spousal Support Attorney From Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC, Can Help

The decisions made in a spousal support case can affect you for years to come. By working with a lawyer, you can make informed decisions and reach favorable agreements about spousal support, so you feel confident about your path forward after a divorce. Contact Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC, to discuss your case with a lawyer.