Spousal Support

When a marriage ends in divorce, one of the most important issues to be addressed is spousal support, also referred to as alimony. Spousal support was established to ensure that both spouses have the financial resources they need to live as comfortably after a divorce as they did when they were married. This is especially true if one spouse was financially dependent on the other spouse. However, not every divorce will automatically result in spousal support. Spousal support will only be awarded if one spouse has a need and the other spouse has the ability to pay. 
Depending on the finances of the marriage, a non-dependent spouse may be required to make either temporary or permanent monthly spousal support payments to a dependent spouse. Permanent spousal support is paid until the court terminates the payments, or the dependent spouse either remarries or passes away. Temporary support is paid until the dependent spouse gains the skills, education, or training to become financially self-sufficient.

Determining Spousal Support in California
There is no standard formula in California for determining the amount of alimony one spouse will be required to pay to the other.  Spousal support payments are determined on a case by case basis, and are reflective of each couple’s unique needs and lifestyle. Although there is no set formula for determining spousal support in California, there are certain factors that a judge will take into consideration to determine an amount that is fair and just. These factors include:

•  The length of the marriage
• The marital standard of living
• Each spouse’s needs
• Each spouse’s income and ability to pay alimony
• Each spouses earning capacity or ability to earn money
• Whether one spouse did/does not work in order to stay home and raise children
• Each spouse’s household contributions
• Which spouse is awarded custody of the children (if applicable)
• Each spouse’s age and health
• Each spouse’s debt and assets
• History of abuse or violence in the home
• The tax impact of paying spousal support
• Whether one spouse supported the other so he/she could go to school, receive training, start a career, or earn a professional license

Modification of Spousal Support
If you feel you are paying too much in spousal support, a skilled California spousal support attorney can help you negotiate with your ex-spouse for a more reasonable amount. At Diamond Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of people during their divorce process, and have skillfully negotiated for a reduction in their monthly spousal support payments.

In addition, we also help our clients seek a reduction in alimony payments after they have suffered from a sudden loss of income, either due to an unforeseen job loss, illness, or injury. Furthermore, in the event that you were awarded spousal support, but your ex-spouse has failed to pay you, we can bring your situation to the attention of a judge for remedies such as holding the non-paying spouse in contempt of court, garnishing wages, seizing assets, and others.

Contact the Premier California Spousal Support Attorneys
Determining spousal support can be a complicated and emotionally draining process. Feelings of resentment, anger, and bitterness can cause both spouses to feel like they are entitled to either receive or pay a certain amount of money.

At Diamond Law Firm, we have the experience and skills to represent either party in spousal support argument. We understand how important it is for our clients to move forward with their lives with as much normalcy as possible. In addition, we are committed to protecting our clients’ best interest at all cost, and ensuring our clients either pay or receive an amount that is fair and just.

If you would like to speak with one of our experienced and compassionate California spousal support lawyers, please call Diamond Law Firm at (800) 750-4888. We represent husbands and wives throughout the entire state of California, including Encino, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Costa Mesa, Irvine, San Jose, Sacramento, San Diego, Glendale, Santa Clarita, and the San Fernando Valley.