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Spousal Support (Alimony)

One of the main issues in a divorce is the amount of support a person will either pay or receive, especially when significant assets are involved. Our high net worth divorce attorneys can provide you with an estimate of what this support is likely to be in your divorce.

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Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support, or alimony, is the amount of money the court orders the higher wage earning spouse to pay to the other spouse every month. Spousal support can be a temporary and/or a final order by the Court.

Temporary spousal support is typically based on a formula. Generally, the guideline for temporary spousal support is 40% of the higher wage earner’s income, less 50% of the other party’s income.

Five Fast Facts About Alimony

  • A final or “permanent” order of spousal support can have a termination date or be ordered indefinitely. In short-term marriages, generally those that are less than 10 years in length, the court will usually order spousal support be paid only for a time period often equal to half the length of the marriage.
  • In marriages of long duration, the court may order support indefinitely. A final spousal support order must be based on the factors contained in Family Code section 4320.
  • Either spouse can ask the judge to change the support order amount if the situation changes.
  • A spouse can also ask the judge for help collecting (enforcing) a support order
  • You can calculate how much child or spousal support you will have to pay with a formula.
Spousal Support (Alimony)

CHILD SUPPORT

Dads hands with child's hands indicating paternity

Child support is the amount of money the court will order one parent to pay the other parent each month for the support of a child. California has a formula for calculating child support called “guideline child support” which is calculated by using a computer program.

Child on a swing

The program bases its child support order on the income of both parties, the time each parent spends with the children, and other factors. Parties can always agree to a different amount of child support as long as the child’s needs are met. Our team can calculate a guideline child support order.

child holding Dad's hand

Child support orders generally last until a child turns 18, or until up to age 19 for a full-time high school student living at home. If you would like more information, please call us to set up a consultation.

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Articles and Information

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Recent Court Cases

Martin: Spousal Support

Title:In re Marriage of Martin (Spousal Support) Court:California Court of Appeal, Fourth District Citation:Published Opinion,

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Walzer Melcher LLP March 11, 2019
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