La Mesa Spousal Support Lawyer

Helping You Fight For Alimony & Spousal Maintenance in San Diego

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is given from one spouse to another when the court finds that the spouse is in need of financial assistance to maintain a similar standard of living that was accustomed to during the length of the marriage. The amount and duration of spousal support may vary based on a number of factors, and as such it is important to understand what may be considered and how to properly present your case in order to protect your interests.

As a La Mesa spousal support attorney, I can help you understand your rights, whether you are being ordered to pay spousal support or you are requesting support from your spouse. When you come to my firm for divorce counsel, I will be there with you every single step of the way. I understand what you are going through and will strive to provide the level of counsel that decreases the time, stress, and expenses associated with your divorce.

To find out more about how I can help, give me a call at (619) 304-8499. I will be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns during a free initial phone consultation.

How is Spousal Support Calculated in CA?

The judge considers several factors when deciding on granting spousal support, such as:

• The length of the marriage
• The amount needed to match the standard of living experienced during the marriage
• The amount of money that the spouse can pay in respect to his/her standard of living
• Possible effects that getting a job can have on the care of the children
• Each spouse's health and age
• Debts and property, both joint and separate
• Whether one spouse helped the other earn a degree, career, or license
• Any history of domestic violence
• Any possibility that one spouse's career was affected due to being the primary caregiver of the children
• Tax implications of spousal support

How Many Years Do You Have To Be Married To Get Spousal Support in California?

There is no set duration of marriage required to qualify for alimony in California. Even if the marriage lasted just one day, one spouse could still technically be eligible for spousal support if he or she can prove financial dependence on the other and that spousal support would help lead to independence.

How Long Do You Have to Pay Spousal Support?

The general principle for spousal support duration is that it will last approximately half the length of marriages that last 10 years or less. If the marriage has lasted longer than 10 years, the court may decide not to set a payment duration. Keep in mind, every case has different issues which can affect a judge's decision dramatically. Ideally, the payor will be providing support until the other spouse gets back on their feet financially, but this can also change based on circumstances out of your control. It is important to speak with our attorney about your options regarding payment plans or duration.

San Diego Spousal Support Mediation Attorney

It is recommended that both spouses try to agree to a written agreement before requesting a court hearing. This can be accomplished through the use of a mediator. The mediator will act as an impartial party, helping both sides to reach an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties involved. As your La Mesa divorce lawyer, I can help you reach a legally sound and viable agreement.

For assistance with spousal support, you can call The Law Offices of Andrea Schneider at (619) 304-8499.