Will You Pay or Receive Spousal Support?
In California, the courts have the ability to order spousal support — commonly known as alimony — in divorce cases. While the approach the courts have taken to alimony has changed over the years, it remains available and is still awarded in many cases.
At the Diamond Law Firm in Los Angeles, we have extensive experience helping our clients pursue their desired spousal support outcomes. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with experienced family law attorney and certified public accountant (CPA) Joseph Diamond.
Understanding the Courts' Approach to Alimony
The purpose of spousal support is to allow the lesser-earning spouse to maintain the same lifestyle he or she enjoyed during the marriage, limited by the other spouse's ability to pay. The courts usually award spousal support payments for a limited number of years.
Recently, spousal support has become much more restricted in California. The courts now primarily grant it in divorce cases involving long-term marriages.
If you have been married for less than 10 years, the court will not order long-term or lifetime spousal support unless there is a compelling reason such as a physical impairment. However, the court may still order temporary support while the divorce case is ongoing.
Pursuing a Fair Determination of Support Obligations
The major issues when it comes to spousal support are how much and how long. In order to advocate for a fair alimony amount, we will need to get an accurate sense of the income and income-earning potential of each spouse, which may require careful investigation.
When spousal support is granted, the general rule of thumb is that it lasts for about half the length of the marriage. However, there are many justifications for adjusting this up and down.
Don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your spousal support goals with a knowledgeable California divorce lawyer.
