Whittier Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal support, also called alimony, is a key issue that can come into play during the divorce process. Alimony involves numerous factors and is not determined by strict formulas as child support would be. Even after spousal support is set, it could be modified or terminated depending on the circumstances.

Because spousal support involves complex considerations that can be highly disputed, it is essential to have a Whittier spousal support lawyer at your side during the process. Whether you are seeking to obtain spousal support or are being asked to pay spousal support, the Law Offices of Steven Ibarra can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a compassionate family law attorney.

Understanding Spousal Support

Spousal support is a court-ordered monthly payment from one spouse to another. California judges can order spousal support during a divorce, legal separation, or domestic violence restraining order case. Spousal support, or alimony, can come in two forms: temporary spousal support and long-term spousal support.

Temporary spousal support can be ordered at any point after a divorce or legal separation is initiated. This form of support helps with ongoing expenses a spouse faces when a couple separates, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and living expenses. The goal of temporary spousal support is to keep the status quo as closely as possible until a final support order can be set.

Long-term spousal support, also known as permanent spousal support, is ordered when a divorce is finalized. The goal of long-term support is to help a lower-earning spouse maintain their lifestyle and have expenses covered as they move on after marriage. A permanent support order can last many years or until an agreed-upon end date. Long-term spousal support can also be modified or terminated based on certain factors and life events, and a Whitter attorney can help you decide which to pursue.

Factors Considered for Spousal Support

When ordering long-term spousal support, state courts are required to consider several factors outlined in California Family Code § 4320. Generally, courts will examine the livelihoods, earning capacities, and health considerations of both spouses. Factors that courts will consider under state law when ordering long-term spousal support include:

Earning capacity, which includes education, training, and marketable job skills
The extent to which one spouse supported the other’s pursuit of education, training, and licensing (for instance, when one spouse is a stay-at-home parent while the other pursues a medical degree)
The potential payor’s ability to pay
The parties’ standard of living during marriage and their relative needs
The length of the marriage
Each party’s assets and liabilities
The support recipient’s ability to work while also caring for any children the parties share
The age and health of both parties
Any history of domestic violence between the parties
Tax consequences for either party
The goal of a supported party becoming self-sufficient over time
The balance of hardships to both parties
Any other factors the court finds equitable under the circumstances

While long-term support is known interchangeably as “permanent” support, it is not necessarily ordered indefinitely. Long-term spousal support can be modified or terminated when the payee remarries, becomes financially self-sufficient, or is proven to be avoiding work in order to collect support. The length of a support order will also be proportionate to the length of the marriage. That is, spousal support after a 25-year marriage will likely last longer than support after a 5-year marriage. An experienced Whittier spousal support attorney from the Law Offices of Steven Ibarra can help when you are seeking a fair spousal support order.

Reach Out to a Whittier Spousal Support Attorney Today

Divorce is a stressful and confusing time, and spousal support is part of that complex process. Reach out to a dedicated Whittier spousal support lawyer at Law Offices of Steven Ibarra to learn more about your options. Contact us now to schedule your consultation.