Title: Alimony/Spousal Support in 2025: Eligibility, Duration, Tax Treatment, and How Judges Decide
Author: LDS Legal Journal Team
Est Read: 10 minutes

Alimony/Spousal Support in 2025: Eligibility, Duration, Tax Treatment, and How Judges Decide

Alimony—often called spousal maintenance or spousal support—isn’t about punishing a spouse. It’s a remedial tool to soften the economic whiplash of divorce. In 2025, the fundamentals remain the same: courts ask whether support is necessary, how much is fair, and how long it should last. The answers turn on statutory factors (income, need, ability to pay, health, marriage length, and more), evolving state reforms, and a tax regime that changed dramatically for divorces finalized after 2018. This guide distills the black-letter law and on-the-ground practice so you can make confident, cost-aware decisions.

The Purpose of Alimony (and the Types Courts Use)

Courts award alimony to address post-divorce economic disparity. In practice, that breaks down into familiar categories:

• Temporary (pendente lite): short-term support while the case is pending.
• Rehabilitative: time-limited support to help a spouse gain skills/education to be self-supporting.
• Durational / “General term”: periodic payments for a defined period, often keyed to marriage length.
• Reimbursement: to repay one spouse’s contribution to the other’s degree, training, or career launch (common in Massachusetts).
• Lump-sum: a one-time award, sometimes used to simplify enforcement.

States name and shape these differently, but the policy through-line is consistent: match the award to documented need and realistic earning capacity. See, e.g., Massachusetts’ definitions of reimbursement and transitional alimony. Massachusetts Legislature

How Judges Decide: Core Factors You Must Prove

While the language varies by state, the factor lists rhyme. Two heavily cited examples:

• California Family Code §4320 (earning capacity, contributions to education/career, ability to pay, standard of living, assets/liabilities, duration of marriage, age/health, documented domestic violence, and more). Justia Law
• New York Domestic Relations Law §236(B) (marital standard of living, income/earning capacity, health/age, child-care responsibilities, equitable distribution interplay, tax consequences, and a detailed 15-factor checklist courts reference for post-judgment maintenance). New York State Senate+1

Practice tip: Judges are evidence-driven. Financial affidavits, tax returns, pay stubs, vocational assessments, and proof of job search or re-training move the needle. Allegations without documents don’t.

Duration: Why Marriage Length Matters (and Reform Trends)

Duration is where the zip code really matters.

• Massachusetts caps “general term” alimony by marriage length (e.g., a 17-year marriage roughly implies support for up to ~80% of the months married, absent exceptions), and recognizes reimbursement and transitional alimony for short marriages. Massachusetts Government+1
• Florida overhauled alimony in 2023 (SB 1416), eliminating permanent alimony and prioritizing durational awards, with specific rules for modifications at retirement and for cohabitation. Those changes continue to shape cases in 2025. The Florida Senate+2The Florida Bar+2

Across many states, longer marriages and bigger income gaps often justify longer support, while short marriages and strong rehabilitation plans point to shorter, targeted awards.

Amount: Need vs. Ability to Pay (and the “Standard of Living”)

Courts triangulate among:

1. the recipient’s reasonable needs post-divorce (housing, health insurance, child-care to work),
2. the payor’s actual ability to contribute after their own reasonable expenses, and
3. the marital standard of living—a reality check, not a promise of an identical lifestyle forever.

Some states publish guideline ranges (New York offers formulas for temporary and post-divorce maintenance as a starting point; judges can deviate with findings). Others rely on factor balancing without a strict formula. Either way, documentation of income volatility, bonuses/stock, and self-employment add-backs is critical to avoid over- or under-shooting.

Tax Treatment in 2025: The TCJA Rule Still Governs

Here’s the biggest (and most misunderstood) tax fact:

• For divorce or separation agreements executed after December 31, 2018, alimony is not deductible by the payor and not taxable to the recipient. That rule remains in effect in 2025 and, unlike many TCJA provisions, did not sunset. Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)+3IRS+3IRS+3

Grandfathered agreements (executed on or before 12/31/2018) generally keep the old treatment (payor deduction, recipient income) unless the parties modify and elect the new rule. Before negotiating any modification, run the tax math. IRS+1

Modification, Termination, and “Life Happens” Clauses

Most jurisdictions permit modification of periodic alimony upon a material change in circumstances—loss of job, serious illness, or retirement—unless the parties contract for non-modifiable support. Florida’s reforms codify explicit standards for retirement-based reductions/termination and for the impact of support recipient cohabitation; other states apply similar doctrines via case law or statute. The Florida Senate+1

Common termination triggers include the death of either party and the recipient’s remarriage (sometimes extended to cohabitation). Always verify your state’s specific statutes and any negotiated terms.

Domestic Violence and Alimony

Modern statutes increasingly require judges to consider documented domestic violence and its economic fallout (lost jobs, relocation, therapy) when setting or denying support. California’s §4320 expressly lists domestic violence as a factor, reflecting a broader national trend. Bring protective order findings, police reports, medical notes, and employer letters to connect the dots between abuse and financial need. Justia Law

Strategy: Five Ways to Strengthen (or Defend) a Spousal Support Case

1. Build a vocational narrative. Commission (or contemporaneously gather) a vocational evaluation showing present employability, expected timeline to upskill, and local wages. Judges reward realistic rehabilitation plans.
2. Normalize income. Tame volatile earnings by showing multi-year averages and the structure of bonuses/equity, with exhibits (W-2s/1099s/K-1s, RSU schedules).
3. Health insurance math. Premiums, COBRA, and out-of-pocket projections are often the swing factor in need. Document them.
4. Budget like a CFO. Replace wish lists with line-item budgets tied to bank/credit statements. Overreaching kills credibility; under-documenting kills recovery.
5. Anticipate tax posture. For pre-2019 decrees, run tax scenarios before any modification; for post-2018 decrees, remember there’s no alimony deduction to “trade.” IRS+1

State Snapshots (Illustrative, Not Exhaustive)

• California: §4320 factor test; strong emphasis on earning capacity, standard of living, and documented DV; duration typically tracks marriage length but with wide judicial discretion. Justia Law
• New York: DRL §236(B) provides formulas (caps/adjustments) and a robust list of deviation factors; courts routinely issue written findings when departing. New York State Senate+1
• Massachusetts: Alimony Reform Act ties durational caps to marriage length; also recognizes reimbursement/transitional alimony for short marriages; detailed guidance from trial courts and SJC decisions. Massachusetts Government+1
• Florida: 2023 reform (SB 1416) eliminated permanent alimony, clarified retirement modification standards, and emphasized durational support; 2025 practice reflects those statutory changes. The Florida Senate+2The Florida Bar+2

FAQs

Is alimony automatic in long marriages?
No. Long marriages increase the likelihood and duration, but need and ability to pay still control. Justia Law

Can a lump-sum buyout replace monthly checks?
Often, yes—by stipulation or court order—especially to reduce enforcement risk. Tax consequences, equitable distribution offsets, and timing must be modeled. (Remember: post-2018 periodic alimony isn’t deductible or includable.) IRS

Does cohabitation end alimony?
In many states, yes or it reduces it—but definitions and proofs vary (shared residence, financial intertwinement, duration). Florida’s 2023 statute speaks directly to this. Check your state’s rule. The Florida Senate

In 2025, winning (or minimizing) spousal support turns on credible evidence and state-specific rules. Lock your facts (income, employability, health, budgets), map them to statutory factors, and model the tax and duration implications before you negotiate or try your case. When in doubt, get a consult with a local family-law attorney who litigates alimony regularly—this is one area where nuance pays for itself.

Category: Family Law; Divorce; Alimony & Spousal Support; Property Division; Child Custody & Parenting Plans; Child Support; Prenups & Postnups; Domestic Violence & Protective Orders; Mediation & ADR; State-by-State Guides; alimony; spousal support; divorce; tax treatment; family law

Sources

• IRS Topic No. 452 – Alimony and Separate Maintenance (explains post-2018 no-deduction/no-inclusion rule; note grandfathering). https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc452 IRS
• IRS Newsroom – Divorce or separation may have an effect on taxes (summarizes TCJA alimony change and grandfathering). https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/divorce-or-separation-may-have-an-effect-on-taxes IRS
• The Tax Adviser (AICPA) – Divorce post-TCJA: unexpected consequences (notes permanence of the alimony rule change). https://www.thetaxadviser.com/newsletters/2019/jan/divorce-post-tcja-consequences/ The Tax Adviser
• California Family Code §4320 (spousal support factors). Official text via Justia: https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-fam/division-9/part-3/chapter-2/section-4320/ Justia Law
• New York Domestic Relations Law §236 (maintenance factors and framework). NY Senate site: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/DOM/236 and NY Courts factor list PDF: https://www.nycourts.gov/legacypdfs/divorce/pdfs/15-Post-Divorce-Maintenance-Factors.pdf New York State Senate+1
• Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act (G.L. c. 208, §§48–55) and state guidance (durational caps, types). Statutory text: https://www.feldlawboston.com/documents/Text-of-G.L.-c.-208-Secs.-48-55-re-Alimony.pdf ; State portal summary: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-alimony feldlawboston.com+1
• Florida SB 1416 (2023) – Alimony Reform (permanent alimony eliminated; retirement/cohabitation standards). Bill page: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1416 ; Florida Bar News summary: https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/gov-desantis-signs-alimony-reform-measure/ ; 2025 practice discussion: https://www.thevirgalawfirm.com/blog/2025/june/florida-alimony-reform-how-the-end-of-permanent-/

Lawyer Directory Search (“LDS”) is an informational directory only. The content on LDS—including listings, profiles, ratings, reviews, and any other materials—does not constitute legal advice, is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney, and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and LDS or any listed lawyer or law firm. LDS does not recommend, endorse, or guarantee any attorney, law firm, or legal service, and makes no warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any information provided by third parties. You should independently verify credentials and consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation and jurisdiction. Do not send confidential or time-sensitive information through this site. Your use of LDS is subject to our terms, disclaimers, and policies. For full details, please review our Legal Page.

Title: Child Support Explained: How It’s Calculated, Modified, and Enforced
Author: LDS Legal Journal Team
Est Read: 11 minutes

How States Calculate Child Support

Across the U.S., child support is governed by state law but shaped by federal requirements under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. In practical terms, that means every state must use guidelines, review orders periodically, and maintain enforcement systems to keep money moving to kids. Congress.gov

Most jurisdictions use either an income-shares model (both parents’ incomes inform one guideline amount) or a percentage-of-obligor-income model. The formula varies by state, but the through-line is the same: align support with parental income and the child’s needs.

• California uses a statutory formula: CS = K [HN – (H%)(TN)], where high earner net, combined net income, and the parenting-time share drive the result. Legislative Information+1
• Illinois applies an income-shares framework codified in 750 ILCS 5/505, including adjustments for multi-family obligations and health-care/child-care add-ons. Illinois General Assembly
• New York’s Child Support Standards Act sets percentage bands by number of children, with permitted deviations based on statutory factors. FindLaw Codes+1

Many states publish public calculators to help parents estimate likely outcomes (useful for negotiating temporary orders), but remember: calculators don’t replace judicial discretion or local add-ons. CA Child Support Services

Common add-ons and adjustments: health-insurance premiums for the child, uninsured medical costs, work-related child care, educational or special-needs expenses, and credits for support paid for children in other households. Statutes typically require judges to make written findings to deviate from guideline results. Illinois General Assembly+1

Who Pays What, and When It Starts

Courts generally set ongoing monthly support beginning the first full month after entry of the order; they may also assign retroactive support back to filing (or in some states, further). Orders usually require income withholding—automatic payroll deductions—unless both parties jointly opt out and the court finds “good cause.” This isn’t optional window dressing; federal law mandates immediate income withholding in IV-D cases and most newly issued orders. Legal Information Institute+1

Withholding amounts are capped by the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA), which sets garnishment ceilings to protect a portion of wages—though the child-support cap is higher than ordinary debts. Legal Information Institute

Modifying Child Support: When Life Moves the Goalposts

Support orders are not set-and-forget. Two paths commonly exist:

1. Three-year review cycle (IV-D cases): Federal regulations require states to notify parents at least once every three years of their right to request a review; if warranted, the amount is adjusted to current guidelines. Legal Information Institute+1
2. Substantial change in circumstances: Outside the three-year window, most states allow modification if you show a material change—think job loss, significant income increase, changes in parenting time, major health expenses, or a child’s evolving needs. The exact threshold (e.g., 15–20% difference or a dollar minimum) is state-specific. eCFR

Practice tip: File your modification promptly when circumstances change. Courts usually adjust prospectively from the filing date, not retroactively (arrears already accrued typically remain due).

When Payments Fall Behind: Enforcement with Teeth

Courts and IV-D agencies have a layered toolkit to collect support:

• Income withholding from wages, commissions, and sometimes gig income. (Immediate withholding is standard in new/modified orders, with narrow exceptions.) Legal Information Institute
• Tax refund intercepts via the Treasury Offset Program for federal and state refunds when arrears cross statutory thresholds. Bureau of the Fiscal Service+1
• License actions (driver’s/professional), credit-bureau reporting, and passport denial/revocation at higher arrears levels (administered through IV-D and federal partners). Congress.gov
• Contempt of court for willful nonpayment—ranging from purge payments to probation or periodic incarceration—applied sparingly and with due-process protections. States’ statutes and court rules spell out penalties. HFS

Some states also assess statutory interest on past-due support and authorize liens on property or bank accounts. Check your state’s code and child-support agency policies for current rates and procedures.

Ending or Suspending Support

Support typically ends at emancipation (often age 18, or high-school graduation up to a capped age), but there are notable exceptions: certain states authorize support past majority for children with disabilities, college contribution in limited circumstances, or agreed extensions. If a child changes primary residence, seek a modification; do not self-help by unilaterally stopping payments.

Practical Strategy (From the Trenches)

• Document income accurately. Courts distrust guesses. Bring pay stubs, W-2/1099s, tax returns, and proof of health-insurance costs for the child. If self-employed, expect scrutiny of “business” deductions.
• Tie support to the parenting plan. Overnights matter in many guideline formulas; make sure your plan is realistic and verifiable before you bake it into the numbers. Legislative Information
• Use your state’s calculator early. Even a rough estimate focuses negotiations and reduces gamesmanship. CA Child Support Services
• If you lose a job, file fast. A timely modification request can prevent arrears from ballooning beyond reach. eCFR
• Don’t ignore enforcement notices. Withholding orders and offset letters are time-sensitive; respond, seek a conference, or retain counsel immediately. Administration for Children and Families+1

Note: Child-support formulas, add-ons, interest rates, and enforcement triggers are state-specific and updated over time. Always consult your state’s statute and your local child-support agency—or a licensed attorney—for current rules before filing, modifying, or enforcing an order.

Tags: Child Support Guidelines; Income Shares; Modification; Enforcement; Wage Withholding; Family Law; Divorce; Uncontested Divorce; Contested Divorce; Child Custody; Parenting Time; Child Support; Alimony / Spousal Support; Property Division; Mediation

Sources & Further Reading (set outbound links to open in a new tab/window in WordPress)

• Title IV-D overview (federal–state child-support program), Congressional Research Service summary. Congress.gov
• 42 U.S.C. § 666 (income withholding & state enforcement requirements). Cornell LII. Legal Information Institute
• 45 C.F.R. § 303.8 (three-year review; substantial change standard). eCFR & Cornell LII. eCFR+1
• California Family Code § 4055 (guideline formula) & state payment estimator. Legislative Information+2FindLaw Codes+2
• Illinois 750 ILCS 5/505 (income-shares; adjustments). Illinois General Assembly & FindLaw. Illinois General Assembly+1
• New York DRL § 240(1-b) (CSSA percentages; deviations) & NYS courts guide. FindLaw Codes+1
• Income Withholding Orders (directed to employers across state lines; UIFSA/IV-D guidance). U.S. Office of Child Support Enforcement (ACF). Administration for Children and Families
• Treasury Offset Program—child-support refund intercepts and authority. U.S. Department of the Treasury. Bureau of the Fiscal Service+1
• CCPA garnishment caps applicable to support. Cornell LII (15 U.S.C. § 1673). Legal Information Institute
• Contempt & penalties example (Illinois reference guide). Illinois HFS. HFS

Lawyer Directory Search (“LDS”) is an informational directory only. The content on LDS—including listings, profiles, ratings, reviews, and any other materials—does not constitute legal advice, is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney, and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and LDS or any listed lawyer or law firm. LDS does not recommend, endorse, or guarantee any attorney, law firm, or legal service, and makes no warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any information provided by third parties. You should independently verify credentials and consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation and jurisdiction. Do not send confidential or time-sensitive information through this site. Your use of LDS is subject to our terms, disclaimers, and policies. For full details, please review our Legal Page.

Title: Child Custody 101: Legal Custody, Physical Custody, and How Judges Decide Best Interests
Author: LDS Legal Journal Team
Est Read: 10 minutes

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody—The Working Definitions

Legal custody is decision-making authority. In joint legal custody, both parents retain rights and responsibilities to decide material issues; in sole legal custody, one parent holds that authority. Physical custody concerns the child’s residence and day-to-day care; a parenting plan (sometimes called “time-share” or “visitation”) sets the regular schedule, holidays, and exchanges. State court guides spell out these distinctions with examples, which is useful both for negotiation and for drafting orders the court will accept. Self-Help Guide to the California Courts+2San Francisco Superior Court+2

The “Best Interests” Standard—Not a Slogan, a Framework

Every jurisdiction phrases it slightly differently, but the theme is the same: judges decide custody by evaluating factors aimed at the health, safety, and welfare of the child. California’s statute lists specific considerations (including any history of abuse and the nature of the parent-child relationship). Illinois organizes the analysis around the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, with detailed factor lists at 750 ILCS 5/602.5 and 602.7. New York’s Domestic Relations Law § 240 similarly directs courts to award custody based on the child’s best interests and explicitly rejects any automatic preference for either parent. FindLaw Codes+4Legislative Information+4Illinois General Assembly+4

Outside the statutes, widely cited frameworks illustrate the same ideas. In Texas, for example, the Supreme Court’s Holley factors (from Holley v. Adams) guide best-interest findings, including the child’s desires; emotional and physical needs; parental abilities; and the stability of proposed homes. While Holley arose in the termination context, its factor set is routinely referenced in custody and conservatorship disputes as a practical checklist. Justia Law+2Texas CASA+2

Bar associations and public-education resources echo this: courts look for stability, safety, the status quo that works, each parent’s willingness to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any evidence of family violence, substance misuse, or neglect. American Bar Association+1

How Judges Actually Apply the Factors

1) Safety is non-negotiable. Allegations of domestic violence, coercive control, or child abuse trigger statutory presumptions and protective orders in many states. Courts weigh police reports, medical records, photos, texts, and testimony; findings can limit or condition parenting time. California’s Family Code makes the child’s health, safety, and welfare explicit priorities. Legislative Information

2) Continuity matters. Judges often credit the parent who has been performing the lion’s share of caretaking—getting the child to school, appointments, and activities—especially for younger children or where transitions are difficult. Numerous court guides and bar materials highlight “stability” and “primary caretaker” as recurring best-interest themes. American Bar Association+1

3) Co-parenting counts. Courts favor parents who communicate effectively and who encourage frequent, continuing contact with the other parent—absent safety concerns. Orders are more durable when parents can jointly exercise legal custody without constant gridlock. American Bar Association

4) Child-specific needs drive the schedule. Work hours, school start times, therapies, and extracurriculars all inform the parenting plan. Even in joint physical custody, equal time is not automatic; the test is fit, not arithmetic symmetry. Self-help materials emphasize tailoring the plan to the child’s age and routine. San Francisco Superior Court+1

Joint vs. Sole—What “Wins” Look Like (and Why Labels Can Mislead)

A litigant might ask for “sole custody,” imagining it confers total control. In reality, courts frequently split the atom: joint legal custody with a tie-breaker to one parent for a particular domain (say, medical decisions), or joint legal and a primary residential schedule with robust parenting time to the other parent. The label matters less than the decision-architecture and the time-share the order actually creates. Statutes and court guides make clear that either parent can have custody, or parents can share it, subject to the best-interests analysis. Self-Help Guide to the California Courts+1

Jurisdiction & Mobility—A Quick Word on the UCCJEA

Interstate moves raise threshold questions of which court gets to decide custody. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)—adopted across nearly all U.S. jurisdictions—anchors jurisdiction in the child’s home state (generally where the child lived for six months before filing) and provides mechanisms for enforcing out-of-state orders. If you’re contemplating relocation or facing a cross-border dispute, confirm UCCJEA rules before filing anywhere. NCJFCJ+2Legal Information Institute+2

Evidence That Moves the Needle

• Parenting calendars & communications: Document exchanges, missed pickups, and cooperation.
• School and medical records: Attendance, IEPs, therapy recommendations.
• Third-party witnesses: Teachers, coaches, care providers.
• Digital breadcrumbs: Texts, emails, co-parenting app logs—organized and authenticated.

Experienced judges and practice guides stress that organized, neutral evidence is more persuasive than accusations. Conversely, discovery disputes, social-media skirmishes, and unilateral decision-making often backfire under the “willingness to foster” factor. American Bar Association

Mediation and Parenting Plans—Why Settlement Often Works Better

Most courts strongly encourage (and some require) mediation in custody matters. Done well, mediation produces durable, child-centered parenting plans and reduces post-decree conflict. Court self-help portals explain what to expect, the screening for domestic-violence concerns, and how agreements are turned into orders. Self-Help Guide to the California Courts

Practical Takeaways (From Someone Who’s Tried These Cases)

1. Define the decisions. List the big-ticket domains (education, non-emergency medical, mental-health care, extracurriculars, religion). If you want joint legal custody, propose a process for impasse (consultation deadlines, mediation before court, a narrow tie-breaker). Self-Help Guide to the California Courts
2. Build around the child’s week. Craft a schedule that matches school start times, commute realities, and bedtime routines. Courts look for feasibility over slogans. San Francisco Superior Court+1
3. Lead with safety facts. If there are bona fide safety issues, elevate them early with actual evidence. If not, demonstrate flexibility and cooperation; courts notice. Legislative Information+1
4. Mind the map. If relocation is even a possibility, get UCCJEA advice now—forum mistakes can be costly. NCJFCJ

Note: Custody standards and presumptions are state-specific and can change. Always check your state’s statutes and local rules, or consult a licensed attorney, before filing or modifying a parenting plan.

Tags: Family Law; Divorce; Uncontested Divorce; Contested Divorce; Child Custody; Parenting Time; Child Support; Alimony / Spousal Support; Property Division; Mediation; Child Custody; Legal Custody; Physical Custody; Best Interests; Parenting Plan

Sources & Further Reading

• California Family Code § 3011 (best-interest factors). California Legislative Information; FindLaw code access. Legislative Information+1
• Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act — 750 ILCS 5/602.5 (decision-making) & 602.7 (parenting time). Illinois General Assembly; Justia compilation. Illinois General Assembly+1
• New York Domestic Relations Law § 240(1) (best interests; no prima facie parental preference). Justia; FindLaw. Justia Law+1
• Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367 (Tex. 1976) (best-interest factors). Texas Supreme Court via Justia; practitioner summaries. Justia Law+1
• American Bar Association consumer resources on child custody and best interests. American Bar Association+1
• California Courts Self-Help: Child custody and visitation (legal vs. physical; parenting plans; mediation). Self-Help Guide to the California Courts+1
• UCCJEA overviews and guides (jurisdiction, enforcement across state lines). National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges; Cornell LII; OJJDP. NCJFCJ+2Legal Information Institute+2

Lawyer Directory Search (“LDS”) is an informational directory only. The content on LDS—including listings, profiles, ratings, reviews, and any other materials—does not constitute legal advice, is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney, and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and LDS or any listed lawyer or law firm. LDS does not recommend, endorse, or guarantee any attorney, law firm, or legal service, and makes no warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any information provided by third parties. You should independently verify credentials and consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation and jurisdiction. Do not send confidential or time-sensitive information through this site. Your use of LDS is subject to our terms, disclaimers, and policies. For full details, please review our Legal Page.