At the Harris Family Law Group, our experienced spousal support lawyers in Los Angeles know that while California recognizes alimony as a financial support option, which can be awarded to one spouse during and after a divorce as temporary, rehabilitative, and permanent spousal support, it is not mandatory for all.
While each person and their financial support needs are unique during and after a divorce, when there is a significant variance in income between the two, the California spousal support law allows the lesser earning spouse to pursue financial recovery in the form of monthly alimony payments.
Our Los Angeles County spousal support attorneys focus on building unique family law strategies for each of our California clients that allow them to continue their standard of living after a divorce and will provide the legal representation they need to pursue a successful amount and lengthy duration of its payments.
With the help of our accomplished Los Angeles spousal support attorney, our law firm can help you receive the financial assistance you need from your former spouse, so you can continue to live the life you have grown accustomed to even after your marriage has ended.
When couples decide to divorce, many physical and emotional factors disrupt their quality of life, even when they both agree that the best way to move forward is to separate.
Besides the significant physical and emotional distress that comes with ending a marriage, the financial repercussions are typically the next concern each of our clients has, as they too are life-changing.
At the Harris Family Law Group, our skilled spousal support attorneys in Los Angeles design legal strategies that help ensure our clients are not left in a vulnerable financial position by petitioning the court for their complete financial recovery.
No matter your gender, age, or what type of marriage you had, the spouse who has significantly less earning potential than the other is entitled to spousal support payments, and the duration and amount of those payments will vary based on several factors that we will outline for the court.
Those factors may include, but are not limited to:
Our spousal support attorneys in Los Angeles, CA will investigate each of these areas thoroughly while ensuring that all the financial resources of the other party are made available for payment consideration.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which took effect on January 1, 2019, significantly changed the way spousal support is taxed by the government — both in California and nationwide.
This law affects all divorces from that date and going forward and states the payer can no longer take the spousal support deduction on their taxes, and that the recipient will no longer have to count the payments as income.
Our Los Angeles spousal support attorney at the Harris Family Law Group will fully explain your legal rights and options to pursue the best financial outcome for your complete divorce including monthly support options that are available for your unique case beginning with a free consultation.
Time is of the essence when pursuing alimony after the dissolution of your marriage, as you may be eligible to receive temporary spousal support while we finalize the details of your divorce inside or outside the courtroom.
Temporary spousal support provides the financial allowance you need to get through this tough time, even before the courts have decided on the final terms of your marriage dissolution.
Next, we will focus on both your short-term and long-term financial support needs, which will be based on both your living standards and the financial standing of the other party, and how long you need the financial support, which could be for a lifetime.
The Harris Family Law Group wants to help you maintain your current lifestyle and keep you in the financial comfort you have grown accustomed to during your marriage.
Our California family law firm also focuses on the following practice areas, which allows us to combine our client’s legal needs or provide singular solutions for their unique requirements, including:
The Harris Family Law Group believes everyone is entitled to affordable, top-notch family law representation, and appreciates the opportunity to partner with our clients, no matter their legal needs. That is why we charge flat rate legal fees, so you will never have to worry about the number of billable hours we spend on your case.
Call us today to learn more about our Los Angeles divorce attorney, and how we design customized legal strategies for each of our clients, so you can begin planning your future with confidence today.
If you are considering divorce in California and are unsure of what that may mean to both your short- and long-term fiscal health, contact our experienced Los Angeles spousal support attorney to learn more about the financial support options you may be entitled to now and going forward by calling 310-745-8644 to help you start anew with confidence.
The duration of the marriage is one factor considered in determining spousal support, also known as alimony, but it does not necessarily disqualify you from receiving it. In Los Angeles and throughout California, the court considers various factors when determining spousal support, including the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, the standard of living during the marriage, and the needs of each party.
If you and your spouse entered into a valid prenuptial agreement that specifically addresses spousal support and waives the right to receive it, it can have a significant impact on whether or not spousal support will be awarded. Prenuptial agreements are legally binding contracts, and if they meet the legal requirements, the court will generally uphold their terms.
The concept of “permanent alimony” has evolved in many jurisdictions, including California. In the state of California, the focus is generally on providing spousal support for a limited duration to help the supported spouse become self-supporting. The duration of spousal support depends on various factors, such as the length of the marriage and the specific circumstances of the case.
Yes, alimony can be subject to modification in California under certain circumstances. If there has been a significant change in circumstances for either party, such as a change in income, employment, health, or other relevant factors, you may petition the court to modify the existing spousal support order. You will need to show that there was a significant life change in order to get alimony adjusted.
The purpose of alimony, or spousal support, is to provide financial assistance to a lesser-earning or non-earning spouse following the dissolution of a marriage. It aims to address economic disparities that may arise as a result of the marital separation or divorce. Alimony helps the supported spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living and make a transition toward financial self-sufficiency.
In general, remarriage of the supported spouse is a significant factor that can terminate the obligation of the paying spouse to continue providing spousal support. Once the supported spouse enters into a new marriage, the paying spouse can usually seek to terminate or modify the spousal support order.
The impact of moving in with someone else, such as a new partner or significant other, on spousal support can vary depending on the specific circumstances and applicable state laws. In California, cohabitation or a new relationship may potentially be a factor that the court considers when evaluating spousal support. If the paying spouse can demonstrate that the supported spouse’s living arrangements have substantially changed due to cohabitation and that it has resulted in a reduced need for support, they may seek a modification or termination of spousal support. However, the court will carefully assess the specific circumstances and factors involved to determine the appropriate course of action.
Spousal support can be addressed and determined during the divorce process, either by mutual agreement between the parties or through a court order. It is generally advisable to address spousal support and obtain a determination before finalizing the divorce.
If you believe that the alimony offer you received is inadequate or too low, you have options to address this concern. You can try to negotiate with your ex-spouse’s attorney. This may involve presenting your case, demonstrating your financial needs, and advocating for a fair and reasonable support amount. If the negotiation fails you can petition to the court to review your alimony order.
In California, when determining spousal support, the court considers various factors, including the income and earning capacity of each party, their financial needs, and the standard of living during the marriage. The court will also assess the ability of the paying spouse to meet their support obligations. The impact of your ex-spouse having to pay spousal support to another former spouse can potentially affect the calculation of your alimony, but it will depend on the specific circumstances and the court’s discretion. If your ex-spouse has a legal obligation to pay spousal support to another former spouse, it could impact their ability to provide the same level of support to you.
