Opinion ID: 2318701
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Maryland Statutory Provisions

Text: The statutory framework for alimony is silent concerning retroactive modification, stating only: (a) Where available. The court may award alimony: (1) on a bill of complaint for alimony; or (2) as part of a decree that grants: (i) an annulment; (ii) a limited divorce; or (iii) an absolute divorce. (b) Award to either party. The court may award alimony to either party. (c) Effect of agreement. If a final disposition as to alimony has been made in an agreement between the parties, the court is bound by that agreement as the agreement relates to alimony. Md.Code (1984, 1999 Repl.Vol.), § 11-101 of the Family Law Article. Subsection (c) mandates that the court is bound by the terms of a separation agreement entered into by the parties, which allows parties to customize their separation agreements to suit best their personal needs and circumstances. In addition to the basic framework for alimony awards contained in Section 11-101, the Maryland Code sets forth two other statutory provisions regarding modification of alimony awards. Section 11-107(b) of the Family Law Article states that, [s]ubject to § 8-103 of this article and on the petition of either party, the court may modify the amount of alimony awarded as circumstances and justice require. Section 8-103(c) limits such modifications as follows: The court may modify any provision of a deed, agreement, or settlement with respect to alimony or spousal support executed on or after April 13, 1976, regardless of how the provision is stated, unless there is: (1) an express waiver of alimony or spousal support; or (2) a provision that specifically states that the provisions with respect to alimony or spousal support are not subject to any court modification. Md.Code (1984, 1999 Repl.Vol.), § 8-103(c) of the Family Law Article (emphasis added). Section 8-103 provides an additional restriction upon the general rule that allows a court to modify any provision of a deed, agreement, or settlement which has been incorporated, whether or not merged, into a divorce decree.... Md. Code (1984, 1999 Repl.Vol.), § 8-105 of the Family Law Article. The legislative roots of Sections 11-107(b) and 8-103(c) run deep within Maryland's statutory history. See 1980 Md. Laws ch. 575, § 5; 1931 Md. Laws ch. 220 § 1. Throughout this history of legislation concerning alimony awards, the General Assembly never delineated explicitly a provision governing retroactive modification of alimony awards. The legislature, however, repeatedly has vested the courts with broad discretionary power when dealing with alimony awards. For example, Article 16, Section 14 of the Maryland Code (1888) stated: The courts of equity of this State, shall and may hear and determine all causes for alimony, in as full and ample manner as such causes could be heard and determined by the laws of England in the ecclesiastical courts there. Md.Code, Art. 16, § 14 (1888)(citing Keerl v. Keerl, 34 Md. 21 (1871); J.G. v. H.G., 33 Md. 401 (1870); Schindel v. Schindel, 12 Md. 294 (1858); Feigley v. Feigley, 7 Md. 537 (1855); Jamison v. Jamison, 4 Md. Ch. 289 (1847); Wiles v. Wiles, 3 Md. 1 (1852); Wright v. Wright's Lessee, 2 Md. 429 (1852); Dunnock v. Dunnock, 3 Md. Ch. 140 (1852); Tayman v. Tayman, 2 Md. Ch. 393 (1851); Coles v. Coles, 2 Md. Ch. 341 (1851); Daiger v. Daiger, 2 Md. Ch. 335 (1850); Ricketts v. Ricketts, 4 Gill 105 (1846); Helms v. Franciscus, 2 Bland 544 (1830); Hewitt v. Hewitt, 1 Bland 101 (1826); Crane v. Meginnis, 1 G. & J. 463 (1829); Wallingsford v. Wallingsford, 6 H. & J. 485 (1825); Galwith v. Galwith, 4 H. & McH. 477 (1689)); see Thomas v. Thomas, 294 Md. 605, 618-19, 451 A.2d 1215, 1222 (1982).