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Spousal Support in California

Spousal support, which some people call “alimony,” is paid by one divorcing or separating spouse (or domestic partner) to another. Despite traditional ideas about spousal support, either you or your spouse may be ordered by a California court to pay support to the other. Spousal support in California may be awarded on a temporary basis during the divorce to ease the financial transition of the lower-earning spouse. After a divorce is final, the court will consider whether to make spousal support permanent. An experienced California spousal support attorney at Wallin & Klarich will explain to you in detail the difference between temporary and permanent spousal support, as well as advise you whether spousal support is likely to be awarded to either spouse in your case.

(audio)Can I ask the judge for an award of temporary spousal support when my divorce begins

Temporary and Permanent Spousal Support

To determine the proper amount for temporary spousal support, the court will use the same calculator—DissoMaster—that is used to determine guideline child support.  However, in California, there is no straightforward formula or calculator to determine permanent spousal support. In determining permanent spousal support, the court will consider and weigh the 14 factors found in California Family Code Section 4320. Based on these 14 factors, the court decide whether a permanent order of spousal support will be made in your case. The court also decides the amount of the spousal support and the length of time spousal support will be paid by one spouse to the other.

 Length of Spousal Support

An experienced California spousal support attorney can explain the process of spousal support in California

Spousal support may be awarded on a temporary basis during the divorce to ease the financial transition of the lower-earning spouse. After a divorce is final, the court will consider whether to make spousal support permanent.

Courts may order spousal support to be paid for a reasonable period of time based on the marital circumstances. For example, if you were married to your spouse for 10 years or more, spousal support may be granted to either spouse for a lifetime or until remarriage. On the other hand, If your were married to your spouse for nine years or less, you or your spouse may be awarded spousal support for half the length of the marriage. Like child support payments, spousal support payments may be changed to accommodate financial and personal changes in the life of either party. Whether spousal support will be awarded in your case will depend upon the specific facts of you and your spouse’s personal financial situation.

(audio)Can I go to court to ask the judge to modify my spousal support

California Spousal Support Attorney

Wallin & Klarich has experienced spousal support attorneys who handle all types of spousal support cases in Southern California, including:

  • Seeking temporary or permanent spousal support
  • Presenting a correct, complete and advantageous picture of your finances in court
  • Petitions to modify or terminate spousal support payments; AND
  • Disputes over unpaid spousal support

Spousal support is often a contentious and unpleasant part of a divorce.  Your California spousal support attorney must be able to know the difference between temporary and permanent spousal support, as well as be able to understand the 14 factors used in determining permanent spousal support in order to provide you with the legal representation you need during this difficult process.  You will want to hire a family law attorney who presents the facts and circumstances to the court in a manner that will be favorable to your position in your specific case.

Wallin & Klarich has handled spousal support and other family law matters for more than 30 years. We know our clients are often in the middle of difficult transitions; that’s why we’re committed to providing timely, informative legal advice to our clients. When you place your trust in our spousal support  attorneys, you rely on our promise to work hard to get the best possible outcome in your case. With offices located in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego,  Victorville, West Covina, Sherman Oaks, Torrance and Ventura , there is a Wallin & Klarich attorney available wherever you happen to live. To speak with an experienced California spousal support attorney about your case, call us today at 888-749-7428 or fill out the online consultation.