Spousal Support

When a couple separates, the court may order one spouse to pay the other money each month to help maintain the marital standard of living. In California the amount paid is called “spousal support,” many additionally refer to it as alimony.

How is Spousal Support Determined?

Although child support is established by a guideline calculator, spousal support is not. Instead the court looks at a number of factors to decide the amount a party should pay. These factors are established in the California Family Code section 4320-4326. Spousal Support can either be agreed upon by the parties or determined by a Judge.

California Family Code section 4320, additionally establishes the duration that spousal support can be ordered. Marriages of 10 years or more are considered long-term marriages and the Court has the authority to retain jurisdiction over the issue of spousal support for a longer period of time than in marriages shorter than 10 years.

Spousal support orders can be complex, especially if one party owns their own business. Having a qualified attorney handle your spousal support order is crucial to making sure your rights are protected and that you are receiving the financial support you are entitled to receive.

Support Modifications Support

Support modifications can be brought by either the paying spouse or the spouse receiving support payments under certain circumstances such as when there has been a change in circumstances since the original support order was entered. Have you had a decrease in your income? Has your spouses’ income increased? Are you now caring for your children more than when your support order was entered? All of these are important questions that need to be discussed and handled with care when dealing with a support modification. Our attorneys are experienced with issues regarding these types of modifications and can assist you in either seeking a reduction of support or fighting to maintain your current support order if a reduction has been requested.

If you are interested in obtaining a spousal support order or finding out how to reduce your current spousal support order, contact us today to arrange a consultation with one of our attorneys.