What is Spousal Support?

When a couple legally separates or divorces, the court may order one spouse to pay the other a certain amount of support each month. The legal term for this is “spousal support” for married couples and “partner support” in domestic partnerships. The most common term for this is “alimony.”

In the state of California, a judge uses the length of time a marriage lasted to determine how long the receiving spouse will receive alimony. If the couple was married for ten years or longer, the court might award alimony for a specific period. In some cases, a spouse may be ordered to pay alimony until the recipient dies or remarries.

Several factors determine the awarding of alimony. Review these steps to assist you in the process:

• Provide proof that your spouse’s income far exceeded yours throughout the course of the marriage.
• Demonstrate an inability for whatever reason for you to obtain work that will sufficiently cover your expenses.
• If your financial standing or living conditions will be drastically and negatively altered without alimony, make this clear to the judge.

Spousal Support Lawyer

When going through a divorce or legal separation, you may need alimony from the other party. You could have been a stay at home parent, while the other worked to support the family. Another scenario is that you may have only worked part-time or at a less paying job and cannot afford to fully support yourself, right away. On the other side of the spectrum, you may have been the breadwinner in the family and need help determining how much spousal support is to you may have to give. When dealing with calculating spousal support, it can be very confusing and stressful. Bansmer Law can help you. Our skilled and experienced attorney can guide you through this trying process and defend you and your rights.

Questions That Might Be Asked During a Spousal Support Hearing

1. How long was the marriage/relationship?
2. Describe their emotional state?
3. What is the accustomed standard of living that both parties are accustomed to?
4. How many resources does each side have?
5. What amount of contributions did each side make to the marriage/relationship?

Spousal support can be a very complicated matter. It is crucial to have an experienced alimony attorney representing your best interests. Before moving forward with your divorce, we recommend taking advantage of our consultation options with our spousal support experts.

If you have questions regarding your divorce process, contact Stockton spousal support attorney Erica Bansmer. Call 209-474-2400 today for a consultation or email us in the form on the right of the page.