Los Angeles Alimony & Spousal Support Lawyer

What is Alimony in California?

Under California law, both men and women wishing to divorce may be entitled to spousal support depending upon their financial circumstances. Spousal support can be awarded to one spouse for a short amount of time, long-term, or to fulfill a specific purpose. When there is a significant variance in the earning potential of one spouse from the other, the spouse who earns less may wish to seek spousal support from the other. Alimony is a monthly payment that covers everyday expenses and ensures the financial security of a person after a divorce or separation.

In a divorce settlement, the issue of spousal support will be addressed by the lawyers working on the case. Spousal support includes monthly payments made by one spouse to another in order to assist the other spouse in their pursuit to become financially independent or to maintain the standard of living that they have been accustomed to. These support payments balance the needs of one spouse with the other's ability to pay.

Dealing with a spousal support dispute? Contact our Los Angeles alimony attorney today for a free consultation.

How is California Spousal Support Calculated?

In some marriages, one partner holds a steady job and is responsible for earning a large percentage of the family’s income while the other partner either works part time or has the duty of caring for children and maintaining the household.

In California, there are a few considerations that are taken when awarding a spousal support including:

• Financials of each spouse before and after the split
• Ability to work and income potential based on age and education
• Duration of the marriage
• Ability of one spouse to pay the other and maintain standard of living
• Financial obligations to other dependents
• Reasonable needs of each of the spouses based on age and health
• Assets awarded in the divorce settlement
• Income tax consequences
• Each spouse's separate property, assets, and financial obligations
• Whether one spouse helped the other obtain a degree, a career, or a professional license
• The supported spouse's ability to care for the children while working
• Whether the supported spouse's earning capacity is impaired because of extended periods of unemployment while caring for the home or children
• The balance of hardship between the spouses

Spousal support lengths can vary. A judge will award spousal support for a determined length of time until the both spouses can be self-sufficient in their earnings. A settlement agreement will highlight the exact stipulations of the divorce which will remain final, unless a modification or termination of support is requested.

To request an alteration or end to spousal support payments, a written document agreed upon by both parties must be submitted to a judge. If this agreement was not mutual, one spouse must prove an unexpected financial change has necessitated a change in the spousal support agreement. Termination of the spousal support before the court-ordered date requires either a severe financial change or the death of the supported spouse.

Get Skilled Representation from our Los Angeles Spousal Support & Alimony Attorneys

Spousal support may be temporary or permanent, depending upon the needs of each spouse. There are a number of factors that will determine the length of time spousal support will be provided for, and the amount of spousal support to be given. Your spousal support order could have widespread implications upon your life after divorce, so it is important to have an experienced Los Angeles spousal support lawyer from Claery & Hammond, LLP advocating on your behalf.

If you are interested in obtaining spousal support following the dissolution of your marriage, or if you want to make sure your rights are protected, call our team at Claery & Hammond, LLP. The spousal support attorneys at our Los Angeles law firm are experienced in negotiating and establishing spousal support in situations of divorce, and they will work hard to get you the financial support you need to ensure your previous way of life.

For help with spousal support and alimony, contact a Los Angeles spousal support attorney at Claery & Hammond, LLP. Call us at (310) 817-6904!