Glendale Spousal Support Lawyer
Glendale Spousal Support Attorney
Divorce represents both a personal emotional journey and an intricate legal procedure that requires extensive financial evaluation. As a suburb of Los Angeles, while Glendale’s divorce rate is not specifically identified, California’s was approximately 5.9% in 2021, while the national rate was about 7.1% in 2022. Spousal support or alimony stands out as a major aspect of divorce due to its potential enduring financial consequences. A Glendale spousal support lawyer can help you through this process.
The Law Offices of Patricia A. Rigdon recognizes the complexity involved in handling divorce and spousal support matters. Our Glendale family law team brings more than 25 years of service to Glendale, CA, residents through compassionate and personalized legal assistance. Our team dedicates relentless effort to achieve equitable results for our clients through comprehensive knowledge of California family law statutes and case law.
Spousal Support in Glendale, CA
Divorce cases in Glendale, California, frequently include spousal support arrangements, which are legally termed alimony. The arrangement functions as financial assistance for the spouse who loses support during divorce until they establish financial self-reliance. A thorough understanding of California’s spousal support laws is essential for those who seek or must pay alimony because it ensures equitable treatment.
Divorce lawyers in Glendale, California usually charge by the hour. In Glendale, there are typically two types of spousal support: temporary and permanent. Temporary spousal support refers to financial assistance given during the divorce proceedings.
The support payments are structured to sustain the recipient’s current lifestyle throughout the divorce process until the court completes the divorce. The court grants temporary spousal support when one spouse proves they need financial help and the other spouse has sufficient resources to provide it.
Permanent support, which is more accurately called long-term or post-divorce support, becomes effective after the divorce has been finalized. The court grants permanent spousal support when a partner lacks financial self-sufficiency because they took on caregiving duties or require further education or training. The duration of permanent support extends over a substantial time frame yet remains subject to modification based on changing conditions.
Factors Considered in California Spousal Support
In Glendale, certain factors are considered when calculating spousal support. These include:
- Marriage duration. Marriages that extend beyond ten years usually lead to increased spousal support obligations. A widespread misunderstanding exists in California, where people think marriages of this duration receive lifetime alimony support by default, but the law does not provide automatic lifetime support.
- Standard of living. The court evaluates the couple’s lifestyle during their marriage. A court may provide financial support to a spouse who enjoyed a high standard of living during the marriage to help maintain that lifestyle temporarily.
- Marital contributions. The court evaluates contributions from both spouses throughout their marriage by acknowledging financial input as well as non-monetary efforts like homemaking and childcare. When a spouse has backed their partner’s career progression, they might receive increased financial support after divorce.
- Earning potential. The court evaluates the potential for financial self-sufficiency of each spouse after their marriage ends. A spouse who possesses stronger marketable skills or a greater income potential might be obligated to provide spousal support to their partner.
- The well-being of both spouses. The court will assess both spouses’ health conditions and ages, and special attention will be given to those who cannot work because of medical issues.
These are just a few of the factors that are taken into consideration when determining spousal support. The unique circumstances of your divorce will determine the amount, if any, of spousal support you may receive or need to pay.
Spousal Support Modifications in Glendale, CA
Glendale laws allow spousal support orders to be changed if there is a significant change in circumstances. Spousal support orders can be modified due to events like job loss or income changes, and changes in financial needs. Support payments may decrease or end completely if the supported spouse remarries or starts living with a new partner.
The party requesting a modification needs to submit a motion to the court and present evidence that justifies the need for the change. The court evaluates factors including whether the paying spouse can maintain payment obligations, the financial condition of the recipient spouse, and whether they have pursued self-sufficiency. Immediate action is essential when financial situations change because modifications usually do not apply retroactively.
An experienced Glendale spousal support lawyer can help navigate the complex modification process to achieve a fair result.
FAQs About Glendale Spousal Support Lawyer
What Disqualifies You From Spousal Support in California?
In California, a person may be disqualified from spousal support for several reasons. The court will likely deny the request if the individual has adequate income or assets to support themselves. The court can reduce or eliminate spousal support eligibility for those who have domestic violence records against their paying spouse. Entering a new marriage or living together with a different partner may result in a person losing their eligibility to receive support.
How Can I Cease Spousal Support Payments?
To cease spousal support payments, you need to demonstrate substantial changes in your life circumstances. Possible changes that allow stopping spousal support payments include losing a job or experiencing income reduction, and situations where the supported spouse remarries or fails to work toward becoming self-sufficient. You need to submit a modification request to the court if you want to alter or end support payments.
What Is the Difference Between Alimony and Spousal Support?
Although people in California commonly use alimony and spousal support interchangeably, “spousal support” remains the term recognized by law. The term alimony has been traditionally utilized throughout different states, but California prefers to use spousal support when referring to financial payments to a former spouse. The two terms describe identical financial support given to a spouse who earns less after their marriage ends.
How Much Is Spousal Support in California?
California calculates spousal support amounts using multiple criteria, such as both spouses’ earnings, marriage duration, and each spouse’s economic requirements. Temporary spousal support calculations involve reducing the paying spouse’s income by a specific percentage and then subtracting half of the receiving spouse’s income. Additional factors outlined in California Family Code Section 4320 determine long-term support.
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