What is spousal support?
Spousal support is the term used in California for what was once called alimony. Spousal support is money that one spouse pays to the other after they separate or divorce. The purpose of spousal support is to help the receiving spouse become self-sufficient, or to maintain the standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage. You can get in touch with the Irvine family law firm, California Family Law Firm, APC to get a better understanding if you need to fight for spousal support.
How is spousal support calculated in California?
In California, including Irvine, there is no specific formula for calculating spousal support. Instead, the court will consider a number of factors when making a decision on spousal support, including:
The length of the marriage
The earning capacity of each spouse
The age and health of each spouse
The contributions each spouse made to the marriage (including child care, homemaking, and financial contributions)
The standard of living enjoyed by the couple during the marriage
The current needs of each spouse
The ability of each spouse to pay spousal support
The tax consequences of spousal support
Any other relevant factors
What is the difference between temporary and permanent spousal support?
Temporary spousal support is typically paid during the divorce process, from the time the couple separates until the divorce is final. Permanent spousal support, on the other hand, is ordered by the court after the divorce is final. You will want an Irvine spousal support lawyer that can handle either situation.
How long does spousal support last in California?
The length of time that spousal support will be paid will depend on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, and the age and health of each spouse. Generally speaking, however, if the marriage lasted less than 10 years, spousal support will usually be paid for a shorter period of time than if the marriage lasted longer.