How to Prove You Need Spousal Support in Minnesota

Divorce is tough—emotionally and financially. If you’re wondering how you’ll make ends meet after your marriage ends, you’re not alone. Many people across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities face the same concern: how do I prove I need spousal support?

What Is Spousal Support and Why Does It Matter?

Also called spousal maintenance, this support is designed to help one spouse maintain financial stability after divorce—especially if they left a career to raise a family or supported their spouse’s education or job growth. In cities like Edina, Maple Grove, Bloomington, and Woodbury, it’s common for one partner to step back from the workforce for the good of the family.

How Minnesota Courts Decide Spousal Support

Minnesota family courts look at several key factors when deciding if you should receive maintenance:

• Your income and ability to become self-supporting
• Your spouse’s income and financial obligations
• The lifestyle you had during your marriage
• Your age, health, and education level

Your attorney’s job is to put together a full financial picture that supports your need for help.

1. Can You Support Yourself?

If you’ve been out of work for years or never had a chance to pursue a career, that matters. We’ll help show how returning to the workforce will take time—and how support payments give you the runway to rebuild.

2. What’s Your Spouse’s Financial Situation?

If your spouse earns significantly more than you, we’ll collect pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial proof to demonstrate their capacity to pay support without hardship.

3. What Was Life Like During the Marriage?

The court considers the life you had—whether you lived in St. Louis Park or Eagan, sent your kids to private school, or enjoyed a certain standard of living. Spousal support can help maintain a similar lifestyle post-divorce.

4. Are There Health or Age Concerns?

If you’re dealing with medical issues or nearing retirement, we’ll show how those challenges affect your ability to earn income now and in the future.

What Can Reduce or End Spousal Support?

Even if you’re awarded support, some changes can affect it:

• Getting remarried
• Living with a new partner
• Landing a job that dramatically boosts your income

It’s also wise to avoid conflict with your ex—because they can ask the court to reduce or end support if your circumstances change.

Need Help Proving You Qualify for Spousal Support?

Our family law attorneys in Minneapolis–St. Paul have helped hundreds of clients secure the financial help they deserve after divorce. Whether you live in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Eagan, Bloomington, or Woodbury, we’re here to guide you.