When a married couple divorces in California, one spouse may be ordered to pay spousal support, also known as alimony, to the other spouse as part of the divorce settlement. The purpose of alimony is to remove any unfair economic burdens that one spouse may be enduring because they may not have been the primary wage earner during the marriage or they are not able to support themselves going forward.
There are no set amounts for alimony awards. They can vary greatly from case to case both in the dollar amount and the length of time that alimony must be paid. For example, a judge can order that temporary alimony is paid when a divorce has not yet been finalized, or order rehabilitative alimony which lasts only long enough until the spouse being paid can become self-sufficient. Permanent alimony may be paid in some cases ending only when the payee spouse passes away or remarries.
In California, the courts take several factors into consideration when determining what level of alimony to grant. These may include each spouse’s earning ability, the length of the marriage, the age and physical condition of each spouse, the financial condition of each spouse, and the standard of living that the couple was accustomed to during the marriage.
Because alimony can vary widely, it is critical to make a strong case to the courts to justify what levels you are seeking and for how long. With so much on the line, it is critical that you retain a spousal support lawyer who can build the most effective case possible and help you gain all that you are entitled to receive.
With more than three decades of family law experience, The Law Office of Robert B. Treister is an important ally to have on your side as you work through this process. Mr. Treister can also help you after the fact when a former spouse refuses to pay what you are owed. This may include seeking to garnish the other ex-spouses wages, placing a lien on their property and other similar measures.
The Law Office of Robert B. Treister serves clients in Cerritos, Bellflower, Norwalk, Lakewood, Long Beach, La Palma and surrounding Southern California cities.
Law Office Of Robert B Treister 16400 Greenlake Lane, Cerritos, CA 90703 (562) 852-7038