Spousal support (also called alimony and spousal maintenance) is a benefit awarded to parties based on specific factors in a divorce case. It is not automatic, like child support or division of assets. The Burch Shepard Family Law Group, in Newport Beach, California, can advise you on the alimony guidelines and whether spousal support should be considered in your situation. Our Orange County spousal support attorney will be forthright with you about the reasonableness and attainability of your goals.
How Is Spousal Support Determined in California?
Unlike child support guidelines (which are very rigid), the criteria for awarding spousal support is much more subjective. The amount of support one spouse pays to the other depends on a number of different factors.
While the most important factors are the length of the marriage and the income of both parties, the courts will also look at factors such as:
Each party's future earning capacity
Need for spousal support
Ability to pay support
Domestic violence or criminal activities by either party in the past
Tax issues and consequences
The lawyers at our firm have the experience necessary to handle even the most complex divorce and spousal support cases. We have handled many high net worth divorce cases and have the financial knowledge necessary to take a comprehensive approach to important matters. Our Orange County family law attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including ones involving uncovering hidden assets, forensic accounting issues and more.
Types of Spousal Support in California
California law provides for two types of spousal support—temporary spousal support and permanent spousal support. Temporary spousal support can be awarded before the divorce settlement is finalized. The idea with temporary spousal support is for each party to maintain his or her current lifestyle until the permanent award is decided. The court will then determine whether a permanent award of spousal support is necessary. If so, it will set a support level based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the income of the parties, the standard of living both parties are accustomed to and the length of the marriage.
Identifying Sources Of Income
In most cases, identifying sources of income is simple. But when a party owns a business, identifying income for the purposes of determining support can become more difficult. In these cases, we may call upon forensic accountants who can uncover hidden income or income-producing assets. Our lawyers can then use this information to strengthen our case during the settlement negotiation or divorce trial.
As experienced family law attorneys, we have the knowledge and experience required to identify issues and get results for our clients who face spousal support issues. Our Orange County spousal support attorney will aggressively represent your interests in obtaining or limiting spousal support payments.
Contact an Orange County Spousal Support Attorney
For a consultation with the Burch Shepard Family Law Group about spousal support in Orange County, call (949) 565-4158 or contact us online. The firm serves clients throughout Orange County, including the cities of Newport Beach, Fullerton and Newport Beach.
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I just wanted to send you a HUGE thank you for all of your support through this process. I am thrilled with the outcome today and so relieved that this is coming to a close. Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey.
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“They made the divorce process so much less stressful than it could have been. I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
Former Client
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Former Client
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I am thankful for a attorney Robert, for his wonderful representation. His professionalism, and the way he carries himself with so much authority and knowledge is making this process run Smoothly. The delay in the process has given my children and I time, space, peace of mind and the healing we needed so much, thank you. God knows the right timing and the right results and He sends us the right persons to work things out. You are all a team of wonderful people. Thank you.
For a consultation with an Orange County attorney at the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, call (949) 565-4158 or contact us online.
Community Resources:
A variety of nonprofit social services agencies provide counseling services to divorcing families in the areas of domestic violence, marriage, family and children, and drug and alcohol abuse. Legal assistance is also available. For a list of these community resources, please contact Family Court Services at 714-935-6550.
Books To Help Divorcing Parents And Their Children:
My Mom and Dad Are Getting a Divorce by Florence Bienenfeld
Mom's House, Dad's House by Isolina Ricci, Ph.D.
Co-Parenting by Miriam Galper
When Living Hurts by Gordon Sol
Megan's Book of Divorce: A Kid's Book for Adults by Eric Jong
Child Custody: Building Agreements That Work by Mimi E. Lyster
The Parental Alienation Syndrome: A Guide for Mental Health and Legal Professionals by Richard A. Gardner, M.D.
