Sacramento Spousal Support Attorneys

Helping California Families Protect Their Future and Financial Interests

One of the most divisive issues that must be addressed in divorce proceedings often involves spousal support. In California, spousal support is the equivalent of alimony payments. A higher-earning spouse may be ordered to pay spousal support depending on the unique circumstances involved.

Every divorce case differs, and spousal support is determined based on the facts involved. Whether you are the paying spouse or trying to obtain spousal support, hiring an attorney to represent you is in your best interest.

Determining spousal support involves complex issues that an experienced lawyer best handles. If you are trying to resolve spousal support issues or have questions about our legal services, contact our law offices to schedule a consultation. A qualified legal team member will happily meet with you to answer your questions.

What is the Purpose of Spousal Support?

California spousal support prevents a lower-earning spouse from becoming impoverished due to divorce or legal separation. Generally, a higher-earning spouse will pay support until the other spouse becomes self-supporting, or when a divorce occurs after a long-term marriage, the court may be inclined to order permanent spousal support.

Not every divorce case qualifies for spousal support, and judges do not automatically award the lesser-earning spouse alimony. Instead, California family courts review every situation on a case-by-case basis. For example, the courts may not order a higher-earning spouse to pay support if it is not within their financial means.

You must consult a knowledgeable attorney if you are unsure if you qualify for spousal support or have questions about paying it. Baron Family Law, PC, has comprehensive experience handling complex support payment issues and determining what legal strategies will work for you.

What Type of Spousal Support is Available in California?

In California, it is up to the judge’s discretion to determine if one party should be awarded spousal support. Suppose it is determined that spousal support is necessary. In that case, payments will depend on the facts involved, such as the length of the marriage, financial inequality between spouses, and the ability to pay.

Temporary Spousal Support

A judge may order that one spouse pay the other party temporary spousal support as soon as divorce proceedings begin or in family law cases where a couple separates due to protective legal orders. Temporary support is meant to give the supported spouse the financial support they need to maintain their economic stability until a divorce can be finalized.

Permanent Spousal Support

Unlike temporary support, which starts at the beginning of legal proceedings, permanent or long-term support is ordered when a divorce is finalized. Permanent alimony is meant to help the supported spouse maintain an economic standard after the marriage ends. Long-term support may be awarded if one spouse has sacrificed a career or earning potential or helped the supporting party’s education.

What is Rehabilitative Spousal Support?

Depending on the circumstances of a divorce, a judge may order that one spouse pay the other rehabilitative spousal support. The purpose of rehabilitative support is to help the supported spouse become self-sustaining by providing financial assistance until they can increase their earning capacity.

A rehabilitative spousal support order is awarded for a specific time during which the supported spouse receives assistance so that they can complete educational or training programs and become financially independent.

One benefit of hiring a spousal support attorney is that they will evaluate your situation to determine whether you meet the qualifications to receive rehabilitative support. If you have questions about how spousal support works in California and whether you qualify, please contact our Sacramento law firm to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your concerns.

What Legal Issues Do California Courts Consider When Deciding Whether to Award Spousal Support?

California courts evaluate many complex issues when determining if one spouse should be awarded spousal support. Both parties should know California does not automatically award support to lower-earning spouses. Instead, during divorce proceedings, each case is evaluated based on several legal factors that include:

  • The length of the marriage. For example, a spouse who has been married for 20 years may be awarded spousal support for a longer extended period than someone who has only been married for five years
  • The marital standard of living: The court will consider the economic standing the couple enjoyed during the marriage to ensure the supported spouse can maintain similar financial resources
  • Earning capacity and income: The court will thoroughly assess each spouse’s ability to be financially independent by considering their education, work experience, marketable skills, and future employability
  • Contributions to the marriage: The court will weigh each spouse’s contributions. Contributions may include the lifestyle the higher-earning spouse provided, or how a partner managed the household and family unit
  • Financial needs and obligations: The court will evaluate each spouse’s finances, including assets, debts, and their ability to pay
  • Age and health of each spouse: The court assesses the age and health of each spouse and how they may affect their ability to be self-supporting

Can a Current Spousal Support Order Be Modified?

California law does allow a current spousal support order to be modified if there has been a significant “material change of circumstances” since the court issued the original order.

The spouse seeking the modification must present evidence demonstrating that circumstances have evolved to the point that a change is warranted.

The court may grant a modification for a material change of circumstances if any of the following apply to the support spouse:

  • Remarriage or cohabitation
  • They obtain gainful employment or a significant inheritance

Situations that may apply to the paying spouse include:

  • A reduction in income, such as involuntary unemployment
  • Loss of assets
  • Injury or disability
  • Retirement

If you believe a support order should be modified, contact Baron Family Law, PC, today so we may evaluate your case. If your case qualifies for a modification, our highly trained spousal support attorneys can assist you with various legal needs to try and accomplish your goals.

Why is Your Sacramento Spousal Support Attorney the Right Choice for My Legal Needs?

The divorce process can be overwhelming and requires the help of a skilled attorney who will protect your legal rights. Baron Family Law, PC, is dedicated to helping individuals obtain the spousal support payments they need when trying to make a fresh start. Our legal team understands how financial inequality can affect the lower-earning spouse when making decisions that will affect their future.

We are also passionately committed to providing quality legal representation to individuals who may be ordered to pay spousal support to ensure their voice is heard during divorce proceedings.

Regardless of your position, our law firm will provide quality legal representation to ensure you can confidently face the future. Contact our Sacramento law office today at 916-694-1164 to schedule a consultation so we may evaluate your case professionally.