La Mesa Spousal Support Lawyer 

Helping You Fight For Alimony & Spousal Maintenance in California

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is given from one spouse to another when the court finds that the spouse is in need of financial assistance to maintain a similar standard of living that was accustomed to during the length of the marriage. The amount and duration of spousal support may vary based on a number of factors, and as such it is important to understand what may be considered and how to properly present your case in order to protect your interests.

As a La Mesa spousal support attorney, I can help you understand your rights, whether you are being ordered to pay spousal support or you are requesting support from your spouse. When you come to my firm for divorce counsel, I will be there with you every single step of the way. I understand what you are going through and will strive to provide the level of counsel that decreases the time, stress, and expenses associated with your divorce.

To find out more about how I can help, give me a call at (619) 304-8499. I will be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns during a free initial phone consultation.

Calculating Spousal Support in California

The judge considers several factors when deciding on granting spousal support, such as:

• The length of the marriage
• The amount needed to match the standard of living experienced during the marriage
• The amount of money that the spouse can pay in respect to his/her standard of living
• Possible effects that getting a job can have on the care of the children
• Each spouse's health and age
• Debts and property, both joint and separate
• Whether one spouse helped the other earn a degree, career, or license
• Any history of domestic violence
• Any possibility that one spouse's career was affected due to being the primary caregiver of the children
• Tax implications of spousal support

Marriage Duration and Alimony Eligibility in California

There is no set duration of marriage required to qualify for alimony in California. Even if the marriage lasted just one day, one spouse could still technically be eligible for spousal support if he or she can prove financial dependence on the other and that spousal support would help lead to independence.

How Long Do You Have to Pay Spousal Support?

The general principle for spousal support duration is that it will last approximately half the length of marriages that last 10 years or less. If the marriage has lasted longer than 10 years, the court may decide not to set a payment duration. Keep in mind, every case has different issues which can affect a judge's decision dramatically. Ideally, the payor will be providing support until the other spouse gets back on their feet financially, but this can also change based on circumstances out of your control. It is important to speak with our attorney about your options regarding payment plans or duration.

Key Aspects of Spousal Support

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a critical aspect of divorce proceedings that aims to provide financial support to the dependent spouse after the dissolution of a marriage. It is designed to ensure that both parties can maintain a similar standard of living and avoid financial hardships.

Here are some key points to understand about spousal support:

• Financial Stability: Spousal support can help the dependent spouse maintain financial stability and cover essential expenses such as housing, healthcare, and education.
• Income Disparity: Spousal support is typically awarded when there is a significant difference in income between the spouses. It recognizes the contributions of the lower-earning spouse during the marriage and aims to balance the financial scales.
• Duration: The duration of spousal support can vary and is determined based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the earning potential of both parties, and the ability of the dependent spouse to become self-supporting.
• Modification and Termination: Spousal support orders can be modified or terminated under certain circumstances, such as a change in financial circumstances or the recipient spouse's remarriage or cohabitation.

At The Law Offices of Andrea Schneider, our San Diego spousal support attorneys understand the complexities of California's spousal support laws. We are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the legal process and fight for a fair and just outcome.

Contact Our La Mesa Spousal Support Attorney Today  

It is recommended that both spouses try to agree to a written agreement before requesting a court hearing. This can be accomplished through the use of a mediator. The mediator will act as an impartial party, helping both sides to reach an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties involved. As your La Mesa divorce lawyer, I can help you reach a legally sound and viable agreement.

For personalized assistance with spousal support, contact The Law Offices of Andrea Schneider at (619) 304-8499 today.