Glendale Spousal Support Lawyer

The ramifications of a divorce can be overwhelmingly messy in many ways, including financially. One of the primary ways that individuals struggle during the process of separating from their spouse is through exhausted finances. As you prepare to divide your assets, you may also need help paying for expenses you once shared with another person. If so, a Glendale spousal support lawyer may be able to help by showing you how to file for alimony.

Spousal Support

Spousal support refers to the requirement of an independent spouse to financially support a dependent spouse once they have separated. Also commonly referred to as alimony, support is available to married couples as well as domestic partnerships. In the case of domestic partners, it is called domestic partner support rather than spousal support.

There are two types of spousal support: temporary and long-term. Temporary support is provided only while the divorce case is in the process of being settled while long-term support is provided even after the divorce is finalized. A dependent spouse may be eligible to receive both. Spousal support is supplied in monthly increments unless otherwise decided by a judge.

Eligibility for Alimony

While both men and women are eligible to receive spousal support, there are certain criteria that must be met. In terms of long-term support, there are various factors that may influence a person’s eligibility or the amount they can receive. Some of these include:

1. Ability to pay: The financial stability of the independent spouse will impact how much they are required to pay.
2. Standard of living: Before an agreement is made, the standard of living for each spouse is examined. The goal is for both spouses to maintain the same standard of living as they had during the marriage.
3. Income: The financial income of each spouse is reviewed to determine if they are able to maintain their standard of living without the support of the other person. The capability of each person to earn money is also considered, especially in cases where one spouse was not employed while married.
4. Length of the marriage: The duration of the marriage can impact both the duration and amount of alimony.
5. Children: In some cases, it may not be in the best interest of a child for both parents to maintain a job that provides adequate, separate income. These factors are considered in addition to the ability of both individuals to secure employment.
6. Shared debts and assets: Financial status is reviewed not only in relation to how much money each person has in their bank accounts, but also in regards to debts and assets that will need to be taken care of.

In addition to these factors, there may be other present factors that a judge takes into consideration. Each divorce case is unique and requires attention to specific details of each person involved.

How an Alimony Attorney Can Help

The first step an alimony attorney can take is to help you determine if you are eligible to give or receive alimony. Once either of those options has been determined, they can work with your spouse’s lawyer and the court in order to negotiate an agreeable amount. Additionally, an attorney may represent you in court, gather evidence that is pertinent to your case, and make sure that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.

FAQs

Q: Who Can Qualify to Receive Alimony in California?

A: In California, either spouse can be eligible to receive alimony in order to maintain their standard of living after the divorce. The eligible person must have a lower income than their spouse or possibly no income at all. The amount they receive depends on a few factors, such as their standard of living, the income of their spouse, their current financial health, the duration of the marriage, their contributions to the marriage, and more.

Q: What Is Post-Separation Support?

A: Post-separation support is a type of spousal support that is specifically given during the period between filing for divorce and finalizing a divorce. It is temporarily put in place until an alimony claim is finalized in court. Similar to alimony, there are many factors which contribute to the eligibility of one spouse to receive post-separation support, as well as the amount they receive. A person can ask for temporary support as soon as they file a divorce case.

Q: How Long Does Alimony Last?

A: Alimony can last for various amounts of time, depending on each person’s circumstances. Support may end at a set time that was appointed when alimony was being determined, when the court orders it to end, if the supported spouse becomes remarried, or if either spouse dies. The goal in most situations is for the dependent spouse to become independent and for the alimony to contribute to their independence. When this is achieved, support ends.

Q: How Soon Can I File for Spousal Support?

A: In California, you may file for temporary spousal support as soon as you have filed a family law case. In some cases, spouses agree on the amount of support in advance. When this is not the case, a court can decide the amount. A judge considers various factors of the marriage, such as the needs of the dependent spouse and the financial ability of the independent spouse to pay. Temporary support is often required in monthly increment

Khalaf Law Group

Divorces can create financial burdens that may be too much for some people to bear. The weight of court costs and lawyers fees, in addition to regular monthly expenses, can be impossible for one person to juggle. If you find yourself struggling with payments while in the middle of a divorce case in Glendale, it may be helpful to consider filing for spousal support.

Khalaf Law Group has helped many individuals file for and obtain spousal support, whether temporary, long-term, or both. We understand the complexities of getting a divorce and can help alleviate the financial burden of extra costs in the absence of your spouse. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you during this difficult time and to ask any questions you may have.