How to Determine if You’re Entitled to Spousal Support
During a divorce proceeding in California, spousal support can be one of the most challenging aspects to settle if the other party is not willing to enter into an agreement. The information provided below will help you determine if you may be eligible for spousal support. To ensure your rights and interests are protected, speak to an experienced family law attorney. The Southern California attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP can help.
The family law team of attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP are exceptionally qualified in complex divorce cases, including those involving the probability of spousal support. The firm understands that divorce cases can be problematic, and they work tirelessly to ensure the rights of their clients are safeguarded. For a free initial consultation, consider calling the attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP at (909) 894-0812 today.
What is Spousal Support?
Spousal support, sometimes referred to as alimony, is the money that is paid from one spouse to the other when there is a difference in income between the spouses. This is a court-ordered financial resource that is set to help the party who has earned less maintain their standard of living for a period of time. Spousal support can be paid in the form of direct payments or it can also be paid in an indirect manner, such as paying the former spouse’s bills.
It is important to note that not every divorce decree will include alimony, and this is particularly true if the duration of the marriage was short or if the spouses earned about the same amount of money.
Determining Spousal Support
California is one of the many states that recognize that there is a responsibility for support between spouses. Spousal support can help ensure both spouses are able to maintain a lifestyle comparable to what was experienced during the marriage.
When requesting temporary support during the divorce process or seeking permanent spousal support after the marital union has been dissolved, it is important to know that the court has broad discretion in deciding whether or not spousal support will be awarded. Factors that could determine whether a party receives spousal support could include: The financial needs of the requesting spouse, The other party’s ability to pay for spousal support, The duration of the marriage, The earning potential of both parties, The education and occupation of both spouses, The health and age of both spouses, and The balancing factors concerning the division of community property.
Obtain the Legal Support of a Skilled Family Law Attorney
The State of California allows for spousal support in the forms of temporary support and permanent spousal support. If you believe you are entitled to spousal support, you have a right to request spousal support from your soon-to-be former spouse. Contact the support of a skilled family law attorney who can help you determine if you can obtain support and ensure your rights and interests are protected throughout the divorce process.
The dedicated legal team of attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP are exceptionally qualified in a variety of family law cases, including difficult divorce cases. If you believe you are entitled to spousal support consider calling the firm at (909) 894-0812 to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.