Spousal Support & Alimony Lawyer
In many divorces, the spouses find themselves on unequal financial footing. When this happens, the court system typically orders the more financially stable spouse to pay support to the other.
The Walnut Creek spousal support attorneys at the Law Offices of O'Brien & Sullivan work diligently to reach successful resolutions for our clients struggling through divorce. We strive to educate and communicate with our clients through all stages of their cases. Many times, our clients are concerned about the stability of their financial futures. Our attorneys take the time to explain the legal process and the options for spousal support or alimony to our clients.
The Different Types of Spousal Support
Spousal support typically falls into one of three categories:
- Temporary Support: Often, one spouse does not have the financial resources to maintain independence through the divorce proceeding. In these situations, the judge may order one spouse to pay the other temporary support while the divorce is pending.
- Permanent Support with an end date: When the divorce is ending a short term marriage, a marriage of less than 10 years, the judge will typically order spousal support, or alimony, be paid for approximately half the length of the marriage or until the receiving spouse remarries or passes away.
- Permanent Support without an end date: When the divorce is ending a long-term marriage, the judge will typically order permanent support, or alimony, be paid. Typically permanent support is paid until the receiving spouse remarries or passes away.
Many factors go into the calculation of how much and for how long support is to be paid. Some factors include:
- Length of marriage
- Health of receiving spouse
- Job skills of receiving spouse
- Comparison of the earning capacity of the husband and wife
After all of these factors are considered, the judge will issue the spousal support order. For a detailed conversation regarding alimony or the different forms of support, do not hesitate to schedule a no-cost consultation with a lawyer in our office.
Special Circumstances in the Determination of Support
In many cases, one spouse has sacrificed the completion of a degree program or left a career to focus on the marriage and/or family. When that marriage ends, the spouse who made the sacrifices might be at a disadvantage. Our firm will ensure that these facts are brought to light through mediation or courtroom litigation.
Also, as income levels change following a divorce, it might become necessary to modify the original support judgment. If you would like to explore modifications, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with our attorneys.
Contact Our Firm
If you have questions regarding spousal support and alimony in California, contact the Law Offices of O'Brien & Sullivan to schedule a free initial consultation.
