Los Angeles Spousal Support Attorney 

Securing Your Financial Future With Skilled Advocacy

At the Law Offices of Korol & Velen, our Los Angeles spousal support attorneys represent clients throughout the San Fernando Valley, the South Bay area, and across Southern California in spousal support and modification cases. 

The principal attorneys at our firm have been certified as family law specialists by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. What's more, our practice is dedicated to solely resolving divorce and family law concerns.

What Qualifies a Spouse for Alimony

During a divorce, one common question is whether alimony will be part of the settlement. However, alimony is not granted in every case, as not all relationships meet the criteria for support. If alimony is requested, the court will carefully evaluate the circumstances to determine if it is warranted.

A spouse may qualify for alimony if they lack sufficient income or assets to maintain a similar standard of living to that established during the marriage. When making this decision, the court considers factors such as the marital lifestyle, the requesting spouse’s financial needs, and whether the paying spouse has the means to provide support while still covering their own expenses. The judge will review all evidence presented before deciding whether to approve or deny the request.

Understanding Spousal Support in California

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse or domestic partner to help cover the other's monthly expenses. It's intended to provide financial assistance for a spouse who needs it during the divorce process and for a period of time after the final divorce or legal separation. 

Formerly referred to as alimony, spousal support may continue after the conclusion of the divorce, depending on factors outlined in Section 4320 of the California Family Code. Spousal support is awarded in addition to any child support.

Either spouse may be ordered to pay spousal support to the other. For couples married less than ten years, the typical length of spousal support to be ordered is half the length of the marriage. In long-term marriages, permanent alimony can be awarded depending on the circumstances such as the spouse’s death or remarriage.

In awarding permanent spousal support, the judge considers many factors:

• Each party’s income and earnings
• Earning capacity
• Age and health of the parties
• Obligations and assets of each party
• Duration of the marriage
• Education, job skills, or occupations
• Any financial sacrifices made by either party
• Standard of living during the marriage

Our Los Angeles spousal support lawyers can answer your questions and fully explain the complexities of temporary or permanent alimony, as well as post-decree modifications to support agreements/court orders.

How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

The duration of spousal support in California, including Los Angeles, depends on the type of spousal support awarded and the circumstances of the case. California recognizes several types of spousal support, including temporary support, rehabilitative support, and long-term or permanent support. Each serves a different purpose and has unique guidelines for duration.

• Temporary Spousal Support is typically awarded during the divorce process to help the lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability. This type of support usually ends once the divorce is finalized, though it may transition into another form of support as outlined in the final agreement or court order.
• Rehabilitative Spousal Support is designed to help a spouse become self-sufficient, often by funding education, job training, or career advancement. This support is typically time-limited, lasting until the receiving spouse has had enough time to achieve financial independence. Courts generally expect the supported spouse to make efforts to become self-supporting within a reasonable timeframe.
• Long-Term or Permanent Spousal Support may be granted in cases involving long-term marriages (usually defined as lasting ten years or more). While the term “permanent” is used, it does not necessarily mean lifelong. Support may be modified or terminated if circumstances change, such as remarriage or significant financial changes for either party.

California law emphasizes the goal of achieving self-sufficiency. Courts carefully assess factors like the length of the marriage, earning capacity, age, health, and the standard of living during the marriage when determining how long spousal support should last. An experienced spousal support attorney can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Modifying Spousal Support Agreements in California 

In order to qualify for a spousal support modification in California, either spouse needs to prove that there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as:

• The receiving party has become financially independent and no longer requires support.
• The receiving party is remarrying and no longer qualifies for spousal support.
• The providing party has had a decrease in income and can no longer afford to pay the agreed-upon amount.

When Does Spousal Support End in California?

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is designed to provide financial assistance from one spouse to another, typically the higher-earning spouse, to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce.

Spousal support may end or be modified due to significant changes in circumstances for either spouse. These changes may include:

• A substantial increase in the supported spouse's income.
• A significant decrease in the supporting spouse's income, making it impossible to maintain the existing support payments.
• Retirement of the supporting spouse, provided that it is reasonable and in good faith.
• The supported spouse remarries.
• The death of either spouse.

Maximizing Your Alimony Payments

When it comes to alimony, it's important to ensure that you are receiving the full amount you are entitled to under California law. Our experienced Los Angeles spousal support attorney can help you navigate the complexities of alimony agreements and modifications to secure your financial future.

Ways to maximize your alimony payments include:

• Documenting all financial contributions during the marriage
• Seeking a fair division of marital assets
• Negotiating for a higher alimony amount based on your needs
• Seeking modifications if there are significant changes in circumstances

Don't leave your financial future to chance. Contact our Los Angeles spousal support lawyer today to ensure you are receiving the alimony payments you deserve.

Contact Our Los Angeles Spousal Support Lawyer Today 

If you are interested in modifying your current support order (or even ending alimony in California), our Los Angeles spousal support modification lawyers can help. Contact us today.