Spousal Support Backed by 100+ Years' Experience

Orange County Spousal Support Lawyer

Experienced Newport Beach Alimony Attorneys

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.

What Makes Us Different

  • Committed To Our Clients
  • Dedicated To Obtaining Real Results
  • 100+ Years Of Collective Experience
  • Specialized Knowledge
Put the Experts In Your Corner
  • Best of the City
  • Cover Feature - Law Firm of the Month
  • Certified California Family Law Specialists
  • OC Metro Top Attorneys
  • Super Lawyers

Contact Us Today

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.