Spousal Support

Divorce can bring significant financial uncertainty, especially when one spouse was the primary wage earner while the other focused on homemaking or caregiving. Spousal support (alimony) is designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability during and after the divorce process.

At LLM Family Law, our experienced attorneys provide strategic legal representation for both those seeking spousal support and those who may be required to pay it. With over 100 years of combined experience, we help clients navigate the complexities of California’s spousal support laws to achieve fair and just outcomes.

If you need legal guidance regarding spousal support, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How Much Spousal Support Will I Receive or Have to Pay?

There are two types of spousal support in California

1. Temporary Spousal Support
   
   • Ordered while the divorce is still pending.
   • Typically calculated using a formula based on each spouse’s income
2. Permanent Spousal Support
   
   • Ordered in the final divorce decree.
   • No fixed formula–determined by various statutory factors, including:
     
     • Length of the marriage
     • Marital standard of living
     • Each spouse’s earning capacity
     • The paying spouse’s ability to provide support
     • The supported spouse’s financial needs
     • Each spouse’s age and health
     • History of domestic violence
     • Other relevant circumstances

Because spousal support is highly discretionary, working with an experienced family law attorney is essential to ensure a fair outcome.

How Long Will I Receive or Have to Pay Spousal Support?

The duration of spousal support depends largely on the length of the marriage:

• Marriages under 10 years - Support typically lasts half the length of the marriage.
• Marriages of 10+ years - Considered long-term marriages, where courts may not set a fixed end date. However, this does not necessarily mean support will continue forever.

Spousal support may also be modified or terminated based on significant changes of circumstances or specific statutory occurrences.

When Does Spousal Support End?

Unless otherwise agreed to by the spouses, spousal support automatically terminates when either of the following occurs:

• The supported spouse remarries.
• Either spouse passes away.

Courts can also include a termination date in a support order.

In some cases, courts may also modify or terminate spousal support due to a substantial change in circumstances or the supported spouse’s failure to make reasonable efforts to become self supporting.

If you need to modify or contest a requested modification of a spousal support order, our team can advise you on the best course of action.

Contact Us to Speak to a Spousal Support Attorney

Navigating spousal support disputes requires a deep understanding of California law and a strategic legal approach. Whether you are seeking spousal support, contesting an unfair order, or requesting a modification, our attorneys at LLM Family Law are here to protect your rights and financial future.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced spousal support lawyer.