Los Angeles County and Ventura County
Spousal Support Lawyer: Your Seasoned Attorney
The Law Office of Stephanie White in Simi Valley is a trusted advocate for clients involved in issues of Spousal Support (alimony). Trust our team to guide you through the often-overwhelming process of determining and receiving spousal support.
Advocating for Your Interests in Spousal Support Issues in Southern California
Spousal Support is one of the most contested aspects of divorce. Because of the wide discretion courts have when deciding Spousal Support, it is essential for you to have a seasoned family law attorney who knows how to successfully advocate for your interests.
Led by Attorney Stephanie White, our team of Simi Valley divorce lawyers at The Law Office of Stephanie White helps you by fiercely negotiating for the outcomes you desire. From Spousal Support determination to modification to termination, we provide you with quality legal services your case requires. Prospective clients from Northern Los Angeles and Ventura Counties are encouraged to reach out for help.
Spousal Support Enforcement
When paying parties fail to abide by court-ordered support obligations, we help our clients recover the monthly Spousal Support payments the Court has ordered they receive.
Temporary Spousal Support
As the divorce process begins, it can mean financial trouble for the lower-earning party. Instead of making parties wait for Judgment before receiving Spousal Support, the Court can order Temporary Spousal Support after the Summons and Petition have been filed and after one party files a Request for Order (sometimes called a “motion”) asking for this temporary order.
NOTE: “Temporary” has a different meaning in this situation; for the court a “Temporary” Spousal Support order is an order that will continue until a “Permanent” order is made in the Judgment. Not surprisingly, the meaning of “Permanent” is also different in this context as it is “Permanent” only until someone asks the Court to change or end it and the Court makes an order doing that.
If you are in the process of Dissolution or Legal Separation and need to obtain Spousal Support, we can assist you obtaining the Support you need.
Termination of Spousal Support
Spousal Support is awarded in divorce cases to help parties get closer to the financial status quo of the marriage. They specifically help prevent one spouse from living a life of significantly fewer means. When circumstances change, such as jobs, raises, or remarriage, we help our clients enforce and/or seek Spousal Support termination.
What Factors Are Used When Determining Spousal Support?
Spousal Support is the most likely issue that Parties disagree about. It makes sense because assets can be divided in two – it’s just math; Custody can be shared equally or according to parties’ schedules; and Child Support has an actual calculation. So does Temporary Spousal Support, but a Court cannot use any calculation for Permanent Spousal Support.
In California, trial Courts use the 14 factors listed in Family Code Section 4320 to determine who pays support and what amount. It’s entirely subjective. Experienced Family Law Attorneys can help Parties understand the likely outcome if the issues of Spousal Support was brought to trial. With that understanding, it is easier for Parties to negotiate Permanent Spousal Support. The factors the Court considers include:
- The length of the marriage
- The financial resources of both Parties, including community property, separate property, earnings, and child support he or she will receive as part of the dissolution
- The work history of both Parties – specifically whether one Party decreased their employment to stay home and care for children or the household
- The time and costs required for the Party seeking Support to get an education or training to be in the workforce
- The standard of living enjoyed by the Parties during their marriage
- The age and health of both Parties
- The financial obligations of both Parties
- The ability of the paying spouse to pay Support, while meeting their own needs
- Other factors deemed appropriate by the Court
It is essential that you have a skilled Spousal Support lawyer in your corner. You need an experienced Ventura and Los Angeles County Spousal Support attorney who will take the time necessary to properly examine the factors before the Court and advise you of an appropriate Permanent Spousal Support amount.