Bakersfield Spousal Support Lawyer
Serving Clients in Kern County, Tulare County & Fresno County
Marriage is supposed to last forever and is a relationship in which spouses pledge to support each other through thick and thin, in sickness and in health. Unfortunately, many marriages do not last and the pledge of both financial and emotional support is broken. This can leave one spouse in financial straits, especially when that spouse has relied on the other for the lifestyle maintained through the marriage. In some cases, this spouse may have contributed to the other’s education or professional training, working to support the other through years of career preparation, or contributed to the family in other ways, such as being the primary caretaker of the home and children.
These scenarios can all lead to the matter of spousal support, also known as alimony. This is the financial payment one spouse owes the other due to divorce and its purpose is to offset any economic disadvantages that one spouse may suffer in the process. At Bobby Cloud Law, we have helped countless individuals pursue or contest this matter in court. We have also helped others reach spousal support agreements outside of court through skilled negotiation, mediation, or the collaborative law divorce method.
Arrange for a free case review with our Bakersfield spousal support attorney at Bobby Cloud Law by submitting your contact details online or by calling (661) 464-1347.
Contact Us Today
Divorce and family law matters can be difficult, emotional, and confusing. Having the guidance of a seasoned family lawyer can be invaluable when you are going through such a life-changing experience. Bobby Cloud puts experience, compassion, realistic counsel, and strong advocacy on your side.
Spousal Support Orders in California
Spousal support is not an automatic given in a California divorce. Where couples are in dispute over this issue, it will be at the discretion of the court to decide whether it will be granted, how much will be ordered, and for how long the payments will last.
Two types of spousal support are generally associated with divorce. These are:
- Temporary support. This is granted while the divorce is pending to give a disadvantaged spouse the financial resources to meet monthly bills until a property settlement can be made and/or a more permanent support order be determined.
- Permanent. This is support that will be paid by one spouse to the other once the divorce has been concluded. Spouses may agree on this without court intervention. Otherwise, the court will look at many factors to determine the outcome. This support is rarely “permanent” in the truest sense of the word except in rare cases.
“Permanent” spousal support, when awarded, may consist of monthly or quarterly payments or a lump-sum payment.
What Do Courts Look At to Determine Spousal Support?
The courts will look at many factors when determining this issue. These can include the length of the marriage, ages and health conditions of each spouse, their individual earning capacities and/or financial resources, the standard of living established during the marriage, and other factors relevant to the case.
Spousal support payments may also be modified in post-divorce situations where the life circumstances of either party have changed. These changes can include job losses, business failures, health problems, serious injuries, remarriage or continuing cohabitation with an intimate partner on the part of the supported spouse, or other significant changes. Modifications can only be done through court orders.
If you need legal assistance with spousal support in a divorce or with a post-divorce spousal support modification, learn more about where you stand and how we can help. Our firm is here to provide the strong advocacy and competent guidance you need.
