California Spousal Support Claims
A divorce means that everything changes, including a person’s financial future. You and your spouse had a certain standard of living that you have become accustomed to while married, but, divorce means that the amount of that you will have available to you will decrease. In some cases, this decrease may be substantial, and can make it very difficult for you to be able to make ends meet.
At my firm, I offer assistance to clients who have claims related to spousal support. With nearly 40 years of experience in handling spousal support claims, I understand the unique issues that arise in each particular case. Through negotiations and trial, if necessary, I will offer you strong assistance as your claim moves forward.
Spousal Support: Judges Have Wide Discretion
Unlike child support, judges have wide discretion to award spousal or partner support (commonly referred to as alimony) and in determining the amount. A spouse may petition for temporary support while the divorce is pending in addition to a final order for support after the divorce is finalized. These are complex matters that demand the assistance of a skilled child and spousal support attorney.
Factors the judge will consider include:
- Income or earning capacity, job skills and availability of positions in the job market requiring those skills
- Periods of unemployment related to domestic duties, and the impact they have on the requesting spouse’s career
- Length of the marriage or domestic partnership
- Any history of spousal abuse or violence
- The health of the parties
- The marital standard of living
- The needs of the supported spouse vs. the ability of the supporting spouse to pay
Whether you are seeking a spousal support award, or wish to contest the alimony demands of your spouse, I can help you develop an effective strategy that is focused on obtaining results. I have handled many spousal support award and modification cases throughout my legal career, and I feel strongly that I will be able to offer you the representation that you need.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
To discuss your specific spousal support concerns with an experienced lawyer, call my Westlake Village office at 805-666-0980 or send me an email. I represent clients in the Ventura, Oxnard and Thousand Oaks regions in Southern California.